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THE 
AMERICAN HEART 



By 
DOROTHY FROOKS, LL. B.; U. S. N. R. F. 



With an Introduction By 
DR. HENRY CLEWS 



KANSAS CITY. MISSOURI 

BURTON PUBLISHING COMPANY 
Publishers and Booksellers 



^p 



Copyrighted 1919 

By 

BURTON PUBLISHING COMPANY 

Kansas City, Mo. 



©CI.A525895 



JUN 17 i9l9 



">vo I 



With love and af>preciation this book 
is dedicated to 

My Parents 
and the American Hearts, ivho have 
encouraged and i7ispired me in my work 
for the United States and Allies, 

Col. Robert M. Thompson 

Col. T. Coleman DuPont 

Lt. - Com. Christopher Marsden 

Ho?i. William F. Mc Combs 

Major J. Lincoln Adams 

Ho7i. Francis J. Heney 

James D. Phelan 

Lady Gennessee Claflin Cook 

Dr. Robert S. Freed77ian. 



INTRODUCTION 

I have the honor of being president of the 
Peace and Arbitration League of which Presi- 
dent Wilson and ex-President Taft are hon- 
orary presidents, and who thoroughly believe 
in the principles of our league. While I preach 
peace with honor, such circumstances as war 
should find us fully prepared for the unex- 
pected, particularly at the vulnerable points 
along our coast. 

There was recently established at Cleveland, 
Ohio, a World Court Congress of which I was 
prime mover, for the purpose of advocating 
and spreading far and wide the grand idea of 
a Supreme Court of the World. I am glad 
to say that in the programme for world peace, 
it was expressly stated that the principles of 
arbitration were still to be conserved as a pre- 
ventive of war, and that appeal to the world 
court was to be taken only after every other 
means of settlement of disputes between na- 
tions should have been tried. That is to say, 
when arbitration is in vogue, it shows a reas- 
onable attitude of mind, a desire to thrash out 



8 The American Heart 

and compose differences of opinion. It is an 
expression in advance, of a wish to effect a 
peaceful settlement. Let us continue to urge 
all nations to adopt arbitration treaties with 
each other and ourselves, thus preparing the 
^vorld for the establishment of a World's Su- 
preme Court. 

As all progressive nations would be repre- 
sented in the proposed world court, it vvill 
probably form a body of jurists as large as 
the Senate of the United States. Of course 
our work is now only preparatory. The Ameri- 
can citizens should not relax their efforts and 
should use their influence to secure a lasting 
peace if possible. The dreadful carnage and 
the v\^oeful destruction of property in this ter- 
rible war would make it obvious to the war- 
ring nations that some other method than war, 
to settle their differences, would have been 
better. As peace advocates, we have right and 
reason on our side. We aim to preserve and 
construct, while war in the last analysis means 
nothing but destruction and chaos. We are 
progressing because we desire to conserve civi- 
lization and true culture, and extend their 
blessed influence over the entire world. The 
business men of all nations deplore the bloody 
conflict in Europe, for it will probably set the 
wheels of progress back a quarter of a century 
at least; in great part undoing the work of 



The American Heart 9 

business men, scientists, inventors and all en- 
lightened and progress loving- people. 

But there is a better day to come, the fact 
that a supreme tribunal of the nations is nov/ 
proposed and will be, I believe formulated at 
the coming Third Hague Conference, is in it- 
self a bright augury for better things in the not 
distant future. Governments can then avoid 
v.-ar, v/hich at present the final arbiter of dis- 
putes arising between them. We look forvv'ard 
to a bright and happy time Avhen calm and 
just decisions shall be rendered by an authori- 
tative world tribunal and all disputants shall 
separate in peace with honor. 

The establishment of a world court would 
be, also, an epochal event, as showing the won- 
derful changes in human relations that have 
taken place during the Nineteenth and Twen- 
tieth centuries. It would be a sublime achieve- 
ment, the most brilliant act of statemanship of 
many years ; and the men Avho shall bring this 
plan to completion on behalf of their respec- 
tive nations will rank very high in history as 
constructive statesmen. 

The millions of soldiers engaged in this ter- 
rible conflict are, for the most part, recruited 
from the ranks of the workers, the men who 
labor in the field and mine and factory ; who 
do the rough work of the world, who are the 
bone and sineAV of every nation. It is they who 



10 The American Heart 

suffer the most, they, and their mothers, wives, 
sisters and daughters; they must bear the 
brunt of the hardships and deprivations of war, 
and, as a consequence I predict that the work- 
ingmen themselves will forbid w^ar in the fu- 
ture. They have the political power to say to 
their representatives, ''We will fight no more," 
for in the ballot and in the peace agencies estab- 
lished at The Hague and in the Supreme Court 
of the World, justice can be obtained without 
ever again having recourse to the barbarous 
arbitration of war to settle international dis- 
putes. 

Terribly destructive is modern warfare, v*^ith 
its miissiles hurled from distances sometimes of 
many, many miles, shattering and demolishing 
hitherto impregnable fortifications. And when 
these engines of destruction are directed 
against the trenches, hundreds of thousands 
of men die ingloriously, or are maimed, dis- 
figured or crazed beyond redemption. They 
have no chance to avoid death or injuries in- 
flicted on them by the invisible but powerful 
enemy. The scouts of the air indicate with 
m.arvelous accuracy to the cannoneers the 
exact location of the defenses — and behold, 
these defenses are reduced to ruins in a few 
minutes and their human occupants annihil- 
ated, with God only knows, how much suffer- 
ing, terror and despair. Wars in these days 



The American Heart 11 

are waged from the air by machines which 
carry death-dealing bombs and piercing darts, 
making for sudden destruction. They are car- 
ried on from the sea by giant battleships and 
other destroyers with long range guns belch- 
ing fire and death at the helpless inmates of 
the coast defenses ; and finally, wars are car- 
ried on by the invisible, swift and merciless 
submarine, whose sudden stroke sends im- 
mense ships of war to the bottom of the sea 
in a twinkling of an eye together vvith their 
precious freight of human souls without an in- 
stant given them to escape their horrible doom. 

Where are now the pomp, glory and circum- 
stance of war? Is there anything glorious, 
anything to inspire and enthuse young people, 
to kindle their hearts and brighten their eyes 
in anticipation of high achievement in this 
appalling kind of warfare? The saddest part of 
the war is that the youth and flower of nations 
is being shot to death as recklessly as the ani- 
mals of the forest. 

It is not surprising that the idea of peace 
through arbitration should lead up to the pres- 
ent movement to establish a high court for the 
adjudication and decision of disputed questions 
arising between nations. The uncivilizing and 
brutalizing tendencies of war are visible to all 
of us. We have only to read the Avar news in 
our newspapers to feel an added horror of war, 



12 The American Heart 

which our peace societies have for many years 
denounced as barbarous. So it is but a step 
from the principle of arbitration (vv'hich we 
have so long stood for and urged upon nations 
as the best method of settling quarrels) to the 
establishment of the Great Court of Nations 
which is now proposed. Arbitration can settle 
many questions finally and with honor to all 
concerned, but a great International Tribunal 
can, and shall, God v/illing, decide all questions 
between disputants with high authority and 
unquestioned finality. 

What a grand prospect is here unfolded be- 
fore us ! What a pleasing glimpse of a splen- 
did future for mankind this great idea brings 
to our minds and hearts ! Think of it, a v/hole 
world at peace, nations as well as individuals — 
scrupulous in respecting each other's rights ; 
the strongest and most powerful as well as the 
weakest on the same level of justice and hu- 
manity! Men will no longer assert the hid- 
eous doctrine that "might makes right," but 
instead the entire world v/ill become peaceful, 
law-abiding, happy and industrious — a glori- 
ous consummation devoutly to be wished. 

Due credit must be given to the efforts of 
our present administration in the cause of 
peace, regardless of the fact of the unavoidable 
war. President Wilson has done a noble work, 
following in the footsteps of AVilliam Howard 



The American Heart 13 

Taft in inaugurating and bringing to practical 
completion arbitration treaties with foreign na- 
tions thus putting America in the forefront as 
the initiator and the greatest exponent of the 
great idea of peaceful methods of the solution 
of international problems ; which policy will 
see its full fruition and magnificent culmina- 
tion in the International Tribunal of Justice 
ultimately to be established. Universal world 
peace will ultimately prevail. The United 
States of America, always in the vanguard of 
progress and enlightenment, will lead the na- 
tions onward to the ultimate goal. Even the 
backward nations w^ill eventually participate in 
the happy result. We are the pioneers in this 
great work, the captains and leaders of this 
new civilization. While Europe is plunged 
into darkest misery and bitterest suffering, and 
men curse and women weep, while they behold 
the awful carnage and destruction all around 
them, we, in this happier land, have offered 
ourselves for humanity, hold out to them the 
hope of a better order of things, when reason 
and forebearance, calm and just counsel, shall 
supercede the bitter and cruel law of sword 
and gun and bayonet. 

The civilized world gasped in astonishment 
when, at the end of July, 1911, the first rum- 
blings of this tremendous conflict were heard in 
the world capitals. Men could not believe that 



14 The American Heart 

in this, the twentieth century of Christian civi- 
lization, the enlightened peoples and govern- 
ments of Europe could deliberately wage war 
against each other on account of an obscure 
and apparently unimportant event that had 
transpired. 

From the countries now at war have come 
most of the greatest artists, authors, musi- 
cians, surgeons, inventors, scientists, scholars, 
architects, bankers, and business men of this 
and past ages. Nations that have won fame 
from the efforts of these men would naturally 
be looked to, to preserve and not to destroy. 
One round of shots from a battery of the mod- 
ern great guns would wipe out a cathedral 
that took centuries to build ; the flame kindled 
from one fire bolt would destroy priceless 
gems in an art gallery which for years have 
been the pride of the world ; a stroke from the 
butt of a rifle would mutilate the finest statue 
which the greatest sculpture ever chisled with 
infinite care and skill. Men drunk with the 
lust of battle are inonclasts ; they destroy that 
which they cannot create. In years to come 
they will be imbued with the deepest regret, 
that in the heat of the fray, when men are apt 
to act before they think, they aided in wiping 
out many pages in the history of civilization. 

After the dreadful experience of this war, 
nations should be compelled to invoke the in- 



The American Heart 15 

strumentality of the world court or a similar 
agency of peaceful settlement. Governments 
should never again be empowered to make war 
(as it were over night). Practically disarma- 
ment of huge military and naval forces will 
eventually follow as a result of the present 
war. 

The common people will never again permit 
their rulers to plunge them into wars solely 
for their own ambitious designs. The Supreme 
Court of the World will enforce its decrees by 
an international police force. 

We can all see then how small and pitiful 
will be the puny ambitions of individual rulers 
when the world is organized on the basis here 
outlined. Every nation will see that it is to 
their ow n interest to join, first, an international 
peace league; secondly, to establish an inter- 
national court of law and obey its mandates, 
and thirdly, to enforce obedience, if necessary, 
by the military power of the court. 

But we may look further into the future and 
foresee a time when force will no longer be 
needed in international affairs. Forty-eight 
states in our Union are an illustration of this. 
The decrees of the Supreme Court of the 
United States in litigation between different 
states do not need force to secure their final- 
ity. The highest law of the land is supreme, 
but the forces back of it are always in abey- 



16 The American Heart 

ance. All the nations of Europe and other con- 
tinents will in time be accustomed to the 
American way of adjusting legal difficulties 
between states and they will wonder why they 
delayed so long in adopting so simple an ex- 
pedient to avoid war. 

I do not expect that in the immediate future 
the millennium will dawn upon earth, when as 
the prophet has said : "The lion and the lamb 
shall lie down together, and a little child shall 
lead them." For human nature is very imper- 
fect; and strong and powerful individuals, the 
same as nations, have to be restrained by the 
strong arm of the law from abusing and prey- 
ing upon their weaker brethren. But the 
movement for the creation of a great Inter- 
national Court of Justice brings us a step 
nearer to that sublime idea of the inspired 
writer, ''when men shall beat their swords into 
plowshares and their spears into pruning 
hooks," and they shall hear no more of war 
upon the surface of this fair earth. In that day, 
man shall indeed rejoice, reaping the fruits of 
his labor in peace, happiness and prosperity, 
and this world of ours shall become one vast 
garden spot of humanity, while countless mil- 
lions of God's happy children shall repeat for- 
ever the angelic song: "Peace on earth, good 
will to men." 

This armed contest would never have oc- 



The American Heart 17 

curred if the question had been left to a vote 
of the people through their elected representa- 
tives ; therefore, I say, let the voice of the 
people prevail hereafter in matters that con- 
cern the peace of a nation and they will be- 
come educated to their responsibilities, and life 
and property will become safer all over the 
world. 

I firmly believe in the ability of our presi- 
dent to carry us creditably and satisfactorily 
through the present crisis. I ask you all to 
stand by the president in this matter and to 
rally around the flag, and God being with us, 
we shall have nothing to fear in this land of 
plenty. 

It is with great pleasure that I have written 
the preface to this book. Miss Frooks with a 
desire to send her message out to the people 
commanded my enthusiasm to express my 
opinions. Her ambition to succeed deserves 
the commendation of her friends, and I hope 
tha-: her efforts at her first book will be ap- 
preciated by every reader. I thank her for this 
opportunity and I hope that her efforts will 
serve to encourage and establish permanent 
peace after the recognition of the great demo- 
cratic principle, so dear to the American heart. 

Henry Clews. 



Heidelberg, Jan. 1, 1913. 
Dear Kitty : 

I am spending Christmastide in Germany 
where the Yuletide festival originated. Surely 
I am to be envied ! My good father and mother 
were both, as you know, of German birth, and 
although I am thoroughly American, having 
been born in Massachusetts and educated at Har- 
vard, I have always longed to visit the dear Fa- 
therland of my ancestors. How justly proud are 
the people of Germany of their native land ! My 
father used -to say to me when I was a boy, "Re- 
member my son that although Rome conquered 
the world, Germany conquered Rome." 

As I grew up and read books, I realized more 
and more the truth of my father's declaration. 
Sure, only Germany could have conquered Rome. 
A? an American, proud of America's place in 
history, I am still forced to recognize Germany 
as the leading country of the world ; the country 
whose brow has ever been crowned with the new- 
est and best thoughts of humanity. Do you know 
that it was a German, named by the Romans, 
Arminius, and called the greatest hero, not only 

18 



The American Heart 19 

of Germany, but of all those who speak the Eng- 
lish language? 

Do you know that just as in the days of 
Christ, all the learning of the world was Greek, 
so today, all the learning of the world is German ? 
And here I am, spending this blessed season in 
Germany, itself, and more than that a student of 
classic old Heidelberg University. It is is well 
that I have over my mantelpiece the stars and 
stripes, or I might lose my patriotism for those 
United States of America. Suffice it to say that 
I am in love with Germany, Germans, and all 
things Teutonic. 

In my next I will tell you of a wonderful trip 
I had yesterday on the Rhine from Mannheim to 

Cologne. 

Please do not be angry at my apparent lack of 
patriotism for my native land, but really it is 
hard to be enthusiastically patriotic over such a 
huge melting pot ; such a wilderness of confused 
nationalities. In reading this letter apply the ex- 
hortation of St. Paul to the Phillipians, "Whatso- 
ever things are honest, whatsoever things are 
just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 
things are of good report ; if there be any virtue 
and if there be any praise, think on these things." 

Twelve letters a year were promised, so I am 
looking forward to one very soon. 

Your affectionate friend, 

William. 



New York City, Jan. 25,1913. 

Dear William : 

You must always remember that colors of one 
shade will blend, but a variety of colors is bound 
to clash until a new combined shade is adopted. 
So with countries. 

You like Germany. I am glad you do as it 
will make your stay and studies more pleasant. 
Don't forget, however, that our melting pot is the 
home of all the oppressed lands. When Russia 
tortured her people to the extent that her citizens 
flew in rage, our doors were open to the stricken 
and wretched people of the East. When people 
in Germany were not pleased, our lands seemed 
to be their last resort. We have a large popula- 
tion of Germans. If the conditions there are as 
you say, perfect accord, true harmony, the high- 
est of civilization, then why in the world do peo- 
ple leave that country and come here? True, as 
you say, Rome conquered the world and the Ger- 
mans conquered Rome. Whether such an act is 
that of civilization, remains to be proven by 
every other civilized country in the world. You 
should not put Germany on the highest plane, as 

20 



The American Heart 21 

you have thoughtlessly compared only the two 
countries. If you are partial in your choice I 
can easily account for it. 

The parental instincts developed within you 
are manifested by your choice in taking a post 
graduate course at Heidelberg. There is a cling- 
ing of one to the land of one's birth. You are a 
born American but the inner call, probably your 
early influence was unjustly directed along the 
lines of your ancestors, which inevitably pre- 
dominates over your allegiance to your country. 

If such were not the truth, why then did you 
not choose to further your studies at an Ameri- 
can institution or Oxford College at Cambridge, 
England, or with the splendid knowledge of 
French you command, why did you not choose 
the University of Paris? There certainly was a 
stronger German sway over you than you imag- 
ined. I hope you will not sacrifice your patriot- 
ism and remain there. 

To make friends is a wonderful asset, and by 
all means learn to love the German people and 
learn to understand them. Friends have a great 
influence over us. A group of friends well chosen, 
thoroughly trusted and firmly held can bestow 
upon a young person's life, benefits inestimable. 
The touch and rub of life upon life, in the inti- 
macy of a fine friendship, serves to bring man 
and woman to a higher level of efficiency. It 
requires thought and care to develop a worthy 



22 THE American Heart 

friendship — it will not grow of itself like a weed 
— it is an orchid, rare, delicate, expensive. And 
friends, the right kind of friends bring out the 
good, the spiritual in people and I am sure that 
as soon as man can reach the stage where there 
is a mutual understanding, a feeling of confi- 
dence will prevail. 

If we were not two friends who trust each 
other to the utmost, I am sure that you would not 
confess that had you not the Stars and Stripes in 
front of you, your loyalty would waiver. My dear 
boy, you must remember one thing. It is that 
spirit which you, I, and every one like us must 
have so as to elevate our principles gradually, and 
not condemn hastily. It is up to you, up to me, 
up to every citizen of the United States, regard- 
less of his or her racial ancestry, to rally round 
our dear little flag and encourage it and when 
we become as old a country as Germany, we shall 
be rounded out in every direction. Although we 
ar^ the youngest country, I feel certain that you 
won't for a minute hesitate to agree that we are 
one of the leaders in civilization. 

I shall be glad to be posted and to get an in- 
sight into Germany. What are their principles 
of morality, industry, politics, and how do the 
people look upon America? 

Your sincere friend, 

Kitty. 



February 15, 1913. 

Dear Kitty : 

Your very welcome letter from New York re- 
ceived. The only fault was it's brevity. I have 
so much to tell you that this letter may be rather 
prolix, but not, I hope, tiresome. Letters, like 
books should, in the words of Sir Francis Bacon, 
"be as grains of salt, which will give an appetite 
rather than offend with satiety." However, it is 
best to write as one speaks, naturally and kindly, 
which is always my purpose. 

I plead guilty to the charge of preferring an- 
other country to my own, but remember I am 
not the first offender in this regard. I share my 
guilt with Tacitus of ancient Rome, who consid- 
ered the morals and manners of the Germans su- 
perior to those of his own countrymen. In a 
measure I am particeps criminis with Gibbon, the 
English historian, who said : "The most civilized 
nations of modern Europe issued from the woods 
of Germany ; and in the rude institutions of those 
barbarians we may still distinguish the original 
principles of our present laws and manners." Do 
not forget, my little friend that America, Eng- 

23 



24 The American Heart 

land, and even France are descended not from 
Egypt, Greece or Rome, but from the tribes who 
"issued from the woods of Germany." Yes, I 
am a Germanophile, and if this be treason, make 
the most of it. 

But I must not forget my trip on the Rhine, 
of which I promised in my last letter to tell you. 
Manheim is a river town, twenty miles from 
Heidelberg. Here we took passage at seven in 
the morning on a splendid modern steamboat 
and sailed for twelve hours on the historic and 
beautiful Rhine, arriving at Cologne just as the 
clock in the Cathedral announced the seventh 
hour after noon. Comparisons, they say, are 
odious, but sometimes they are also necessary 
and instructive. 1 thought of the trip you and I 
took with our dear parents on the Hudson River 
from New York to Albany, and of how poorly it 
compared with the ride from Manheim to Co- 
logne. 

Here is another illustration of truth conflicting 
with patriotism, and Germany wins again. 

There was one amusing incident of my Rhine 
trip of which you must be told; you who are so 
overfond of America and the English. I was in- 
troduced on the boat to an Englishwoman, Lady 
Muriel Buxton, who was seeing Germany with 
the same air as the average person views a zoo- 
logical garden. As we passed a particularly love- 
ly castle, I remarked to her ladyship: "Is this 



The American Heart 25 

not a most beautiful river excursion?" Lady 
Buxton adjusted her lorgnette, and answered, 
"Yes, it is all right, but there are too many for- 
eigners on the boat!" "Foreigners?" I inquired, 
"do you mean English or Americans?" "Of 
course not," she replied icily, "I mean Germans !" 

Think of a brand of patriotism which prompts 
one to describe Germans in Germany as "foreign- 
ers !" 

It was my good fortune to become acquainted 
with one of these foreigners. Professor Ernest 
von Reinicke of the Gottingen University. I was 
introduced to him about five minutes after lis- 
tening to Lady Buxton's very British nonsense. 
It appears that Herr von Reinicke had heard 
what Lady Buxton thought of our boat trip for 
he quietly said, "Some day the English will re- 
spect Germany. Perhaps they do already. Re- 
spect is sometimes shown even in the phrasing of 
an insult. It was an English statesman, Lord 
Palmerston, who pointed to my country's great- 
ness by calling it a "land of damned professors." 

It is our aim in Germany to estimate things at 
their real value, and therefore we put learning 
ahead of all acquisitions. Germans know the 
real value of professional teaching and show their 
appreciation by paying individual professors sal- 
aries as high as $50,000 a year. Only a prize 
fighter or a jockey could earn that salary in Eng- 
land or America. 



26 The American Heart 

It seemed that my comrade laid special empha- 
sis on the fact that Germany was most proficient 
in military affairs. You know that I am a pacifist 
and I am not at all pleased with the military pre- 
paredness of this country. Although conditions 
are peaceful, men in a military uniform are most 
respected. 

Well, this letter is long enough. Write to me 
often. Tell me all the news. 
Affectionately, 

W^ILLIAM. 

March 15, 1913. 
Dear William : 

After a lovely stay at W^ashington, D. C, to 
see Woodrow Wilson inaugurated as the Presi- 
dent of the United States, this letter goes to you 
with a proud feeling of Americanism. What a 
fine man he is! In this country ambition pays. 
A man must work diligently to develop his brain 
so that his superior mind may be recognized by 
the people. After years of toil and concentra- 
tion, the one time Princeton College President, 
the recent New Jersey Governor, the man of 
principles so high, was elected by the people. He 
is to be honored, revered, respected to the high- 
est degree, insomuch as his efforts were crowned 
with the glory of success by popular selection. 

In an autocratic government, such as Germany, 



The American Heart 27 

there is one head and that is the Kaiser. He 
rules the people. From a standpoint of civiliza- 
tion, don't you think that individualism is an es- 
sential element for the furtherance of democra- 
cy ? The question as to which makes the better 
government enters right here. Of course where 
the people are the figure heads and at the call and 
command of a superior, there is bound to be ap- 
parent satisfaction. In our country we have the 
freedom of speech and each by his own experi- 
ence serves as an educator to enlighten, discipline, 
direct the affairs of the government. Our Presi- 
dent must serve the people and he will do his best 
to make himself worthy of his position. The 
Kaiser has the people as his slaves and he exerts 
no special gratification. 

His position is of birth-right and he is one of 
those who acquired greatness thrust upon him. 
It substantiates my argument of the unknown 
powers. We are all singled out by the hand of 
destiny for some end, which for all we know, is 
the total of our life ; the sum of all the happen- 
ings of all our years. Did you ever ask yourself 
why one life ends in dishonor, another in dis- 
grace ; one by sickness and another by accident ? 
How can we fully account for the changes in ap- 
pearances and in characters? We imagine that 
'The tree will grow as it is bent." It is impossible 
to predict the future of a child, when the so- 
called "black sheep," the lazy boy who does ab- 



28 The American Heart 

soluteiy nothing but waste time, drinks liquor, 
smokes in his boyhood, and does everything to 
make him an outcast, who finally becomes an 
honest man of noted ability and a respected citi- 
zen. Why does the studious and refined child 
grow up to manhood in the same way, then sud- 
denly startle the world by committing a crime 
so great that Fate leads him to prison or the elec- 
tric chair ? Of course destiny is the great secret. 
It might be a combination of environment, char- 
acter, physical and mental natures. But no one 
knows. 

I am glad you took the humane attitude in dis- 
cussing military affairs with that German Pro- 
fessor. It is my firm belief that the United 
States leads in the peace movement, so as to pre- 
vent war. Numbers of people from all over the 
world are our citizens. Think of what war would 
mean to the United States : We have the English, 
French, Spanish, German, Italian, Danish, 
Swedish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, 
Canadian, African — yes, we have every country 
represented right here in our little country. Be- 
cause we have the brothers and sisters from every 
country, we want peace. If properly taught to 
regard the whole world as one home, one family, 
one interest at heart, we could not fight any 
country, as we would respect the relatives of the 
very people whom we are shielding from oppres- 
sion. A conflict with any foreign power would 



The American Heart 29 

be as terrible as our own Civil War. Undoubt- 
edly our citizens of other ancestry would fight, 
but, what a sad fight it w^ould be ! Therefore the 
United States should lead in the Peace Move- 
ment. We must never have war again, since our 
French-Americans do not want to fight their 
brothers and sisters, our German-Americans do 
not want to fight their brothers and sisters, our 
Irish- Americans do not want to fight their broth- 
ers and sisters and so all along the line with every 
nationality. We must admit that most every 
American is descended from a foreign element 
and years and years have not changed the situa- 
tion any. Outside of the Indian there are none 
who can claim Americanism only. 

Both England and America have settled more 
controversies by arbitration than any other coun- 
tries. England and America share 126 cases of 
arbitration out of 17? and with a single excep- 
tion have brought to a conciliatory conclusion the 
many differences arising between them. A few 
years after the conclusion of the American War 
of Independence as early as 1794, the Convention 
known as Jay's Treaty marked the beginning of 
the modern era of arbitration ; the first to fix the 
boundary between the United States and Canada, 
second, to compensate the British subjects who 
remained loyal, and third, to identify America's 
shipping interests. 

In casually speaking of civilization, we in- 



30 THE AMERICAN HEART 

stinctively look to the United States and England, 
but undoubtedly almost every country can be 
looked to for some ideas which distinguish it as 
one of the leaders of our present civilization. 

But you haven't told me why Germany is pre- 
paring her military forces? I cannot for one 
minute imagine that that great country is doing 
something with no ulterior motives. Perhaps 
they believe in my statement. "To have an army 
and not need it is better than to need it and not 
have it." 

Do write me all about Germany. 
Your little friend, 

Kitty. 

April 13, 1913. 
My Dear Friend: 

Your last letter was very interesting and found 
me in good health and spirits. However, every 
now and then I am homesick for America. 

You inquired as to the women in Germany, 
and in this regard I must admit disappointment. 

There is no word in the German language for 
gentlemen, and that explains the Teutonic idea 
of male superiority. 

How can one expect a successful feminist 
movement in a land where women are harnessed 
with dogs, dragging carts; where the fields are 
tilled by bare-legged girls and women ; and where 



The AMERICAN Heart 31 

fifty per cent of the hod-carriers and street clean- 
ers are of the feminine gender? 

With all his ''kultur" and efficiency, "Hans 
l^leibt immer Hans," which freely interpreted, 
means, that in manners a German is always a 
lout. The lack of social refinement is due to the 
fact that the people of Germany have only re- 
cently escaped from barbarism, and that they 
have yet to acquire the polish of civilization. 

A well dressed man or woman is a curiosity 
even in Berlin. Moreover Germany is unfor- 
tunately a military despotism, with its chief offi- 
cer an impossibly vain and autocratic Emperor. 
The Kaiser's ill-concealed dislike and contempt 
for his English mother, which is an historical 
fact, might be a fair sample of the average Ger- 
man's estimate of the dignity of womanhood. 

As you know, I am opposed to political women 
and have no sympathy with your suffrage fad, 
but the German treatment of women fills me with 
disgust. It is one thing to consider women as 
unfitted by physical organization and tempera- 
ment for active participation in politics, which is 
my view, and to treat them as an inferior branch 
of the human race, which is the German idea. 

I am thoroughly convinced that Germany has 
the most intelligent, hardest working, most effi- 
ciently economical and contented population of 
any of the great nations, but it is wrong in its 
national attitude towards women. 



32 The American Heart 

You must think that admiring the German peo- 
ple and enjoying Germany as I do, that I con- 
sider Germans as perfect humans. I am learn- 
ing that quite the contrary is true. I object to a 
number of Teutonic characteristics. Their con- 
temptuous treatment of womanhood grows out of 
a national worship of mightiness. No where else 
can you find both men and women so oblivious of 
consideration for those humans who unfortunate- 
ly are weak. 

I object also to the vanity of the German male. 
This is evidenced by the fact that only men are 
manicured in Germany. 

Perhaps the worst feature about Germany is 
its soldierism, of which! shall tell you in a future 
letter, but I am daily irritated by the tyrannical 
vanity of the German male, and his belittlement 
of women. 

I prefer the prevailing British valuation and 
attitude on the female question. Germany and 
America stand at two unnecessary and unwise ex- 
tremes. In our own America, woman is painted 
and gilded upon an impossible pedestal which 
makes both her, and those who view her, dizzy 
and foolish. In Yankeeland we do not place 
enough stress on the fact that all through nature 
there are two sexes, one completing the other. 
We do not realize the importance of sex. All 
feminist movements impress me as an attempt 
to create a neuter gender in humanity. I have in 



The American Heart 33 

mind a noisy, manishly-togged "lady lawyer" in 
Boston, who has almost succeeded in becoming 
neuter. She wears a tailor-made costume which 
must be looked at twice for one to feel sure that 
it does not consist of coat, waistcoat and trousers ; 
her hat is undeniably masculine, and she covers 
what brains she has with short-cropped hair. 
More, I have even heard her say, **Damn," when 
arguing in favor of equal suffrage. The woman 
suffrage movement is increasing the number of 
such freaks every hour. Turning out near-neu- 
ters ! 

I object to woman's suffrage for the same rea- 
sons that I am quoting below, which you will re- 
call were stated in a New York paper. 

Because more than half the women of this 
State do not want the vote. They do not want po- 
litical power in conflict with men. To impose 
the vote would be a gross injustice to the ma- 
jority. 

Because the adoption of woman suffrage will 
add nearly three millions to the electorate of New 
York and the addition of so many voters, unused 
to judge of those problems on which they must 
vote, will produce inefficiency in government. 

Because woman suffrage where adopted has 
neither improved government, purified politics, 
nor given better protection to women and chil- 
dren. 

Because the State of New York does not want 



34 THE American Heart 

women politicians and agitators any more than it 
wants the miHtant feminist or picket. 

Because the world war has shown that a 
Democracy must be strong to be safe. Many 
suffrage leaders are pacifists. Every element 
now working to weaken our government, Paci- 
fist, Socialist, Feminist, favors woman suffrage. 
Woman suffrage will weaken the government. 

Popular indifference is responsible for the 
adoption of woman suffrage. Except in Utah, 
it has never been carried by a majority of the 
electors; always by a minority, because many 
voters failed to vote. Suffragists hope than in 
this hour of trial, when patriotic men and women 
are concerned with the war, the men of New 
York will neglect to vote and woman's suffrage 
will win by default. 

My ideal of a woman is a real feminine girlie, 
like yourself, my dear. I loathe masculine femi- 
ninity, and effeminate masculinity. 

Let us adopt the golden mean, and avoid both 
the German and American conception of woman, 
and her place in the world. 

By the way, I would like to see you. Tonight, 

1 feel rather alone and neglected. It it were not 
for my work, I would take a flying trip over to 
the land of Uncle Sam. 

Write often, and do not be so dreadfully for- 
mal. 

Fondly, 

Bill. 



May 1, 1913. 

Dear Bill : 

I can't understand your inconsistent attitude. 
You wrote me previously that you loved the 
German land, the people and everything Ger- 
manic. Evidently, you, too, admired the male end 

of it ! With such conditions prevailing in Ger- 
many, it seems to me that you, who have such a 
high regard for woman would subconsciously be- 
come a convert to the suffrage cause. I agree 
with you in regard to the women who, like mon- 
keys, try to impersonate men. They are so few, 
fortunately, that we cannot, intelligently condemn 
the whole sex. Those in the suffrage movement 
today are different from those who started the 
party. The very women who are lanky, worn, 
old-maidish looking, with the two curls on either 
side of the face belong to the anti-suffrage party. 
Truly, the modern woman is the really effemi- 
nate woman, the woman with brain, and heart. 
Recent reforms have made woman more wom- 
anly. 

Woman wants the ballot because she wants 
the government to know her needs. This is not 

35 



36 The American Heart 

unwomanly, since her sex does not alter her liv- 
ing conditions. Man is too busy with his own 
affairs in business and has not the time to devote 
to the household necessities. The home is 
woman's place, and I feel that it is woman who 
should have the ballot and decide what is best for 
the home. Most good mothers are suffragists. 

Now, Billy, don't you think man is unfair in 
trying to flatter women in telling them that 
they are thought of as being on a superior plane ? 
I have no patience with people who can't look at 
conditions squarely and do things accordingly. 
Perhaps woman should be petted, loved, and 
given every care and comfort in the world, but 
does she get it? No, conditions today are what 
they never have been. In the past, woman had 
her home work, her baking, darning, spinning, 
teaching the many children of her family, and 
helped her husband on the farm. Today, when 
civilization stepped in, it substituted machines 
and other devices to take the place of her hand 
labor. Woman had nothing left for her to do, 
so she followed progress. She sought education 
and after a propaganda to prove that the higher 
education for woman would not unsex her, she 
won her struggle. Every man owes what brain 
matter he has to "some" woman. Teachers, 
librarians, musicians, writers, actresses, speakers, 
artists — in fact every branch of labor has woman 
taking active parts and thereby an influence. 



The American Heart 37 

We must consider conditions, not as we want 
them to be, but as they actually are. As they 
are, women are employed in factories (I am sure 
no man recognizes her as superior) women are 
working in canneries, prisons, mines, fields, 
ever3^where and in every branch of . service. 
These women must be protected by law. They 
are working equally with men and should have 
the same rights. If they break a contract, they 
are called upon to pay, and if the law steps in, a 
judgment against a woman is just as effective. 
When she commits murder, the electric chair or 
prison is not denied her because she is a woman. 
Tier punishment is no different than man's. 

Just why man with the big American heart, 
will not give woman the ballot, I can't under- 
stand. It seems to me that men are afraid 
women will unearth all the evils that men in poli- 
tics have tried to conceal. 

There should be no objection to woman's suf- 
frage today. Men and women work together at 
the same occupations, they must both pay taxes, 
but the men are represented and the women are 
not. They must both obey the laws and live ac- 
cording while no partiality is shown the women. 

Woman has become a social and economic 
power, a commercial and political power, a power 
that is gathering strength day by day, a power 
that is bound to lift woman to the equal plane 



38 The American Heart 

of man, in every line of endeavor and every walk 
of life. 

Why, my dear friend, take myself for an ex- 
ample. I was educated at co-educational schools, 
the boys and girls passed the same examinations, 
were given the same diplomas (and really no im- 
portance was attached to the fact that more than 
half of the class were women and the most 
scholarly at that) we went out of the school to- 
gether, into the same colleges, took the same 
courses had the same goal in life as to ambition 
and into the world we went. 

I took up the study of law and my ambition in 
life is to become a supreme court jud^e. Now 
the fatal moment arrives. I am ready to proceed 
with my career, you may go on as you have the 
ballot, but I, who chose to follow the line of poli- 
tics, am denied that privilege. Why? Men are 
afraid that women will take their political posi- 
tions from them ! If a woman is better fitted for 
the office than the man, no sensible person would 
put a barrier in her way and say, "Because you 
are a woman, we want you to take care of your 
home and babies." Most women who are best 
fitted as mothers and housewives, choose that 
career, and most men who are best fitted as hus- 
bands and fathers, do not allow themselves to 
neglect that important mission. 

All men do not desire public office and a great 
many who would be the best to occupy such 



The American Heart 39 

seats would, under no consideration accept, the 
same with woman. If she feels that she is not 
capable to hold office and has no inclination 
towards it, you would not and could not force it 
upon her. She would be more reluctant than a 
man to accept a nomination, unless she felt that 
she could render a valuable service to the world. 

Be a sensible man, Billy, and live up to your 
intelligence. It is only tradition that is keeping 
the vote away from women. Civilized nations are 
not based upon tradition, but principle. Woman 
must have the vote for protection so as to be 
recognized as a law-maker, as well as one who 
obeys the laws about which she had nothing to 
say. 

If the country is a democracy, made by the peo- 
ple, of the people and for the people, we must 
live up to our ideal and grant the ballot to 
women because women are people, even though 
tlie constitution does not recognize them as such. 
Men do not represent women in voting, because 
if they did, who would be representing the men? 
There is only one ballot and to have a fair and 
impartial decision as to the law-making of the 
country, man and woman, who are the constit- 
uents of the country, must each have a vote. 

Why do we have a United States? Govern- 
ment is for the people to live in harmony and 
unity. Starting with the small home, mother and 
father are the heads. We must do away with the 



40 The American Heart 

old common law, that man becomes possessor of 
the woman and her property and that there is 
one head to the family, and that that head is the 
man. Today we recognize woman and man, hus- 
band and wife to be the heads of the home. All 
the small homes comprise a city, all the cities 
serve to make a state, all the states are the 
United States. Since the United States are one, 
and a home on a large scale, why aren't women 
as well as men at the head to take the place as 
mother of the country? Woman's work is 
needed, and to make a perfect government, one 
sex should not be political slaves. 

I know just what you will say Bill, in read- 
ing my thoughts on woman's suffrage, but I am 
firmly convinced, that unless woman has the 
opportunity to become a law-maker, this country 
is just as bad as Germany, excepting that our 
foreigners are not conscious of the fact that 
women are not treated justly, politically. Let 
me ask 3^ou, let me ask every man and woman, 
upon what conceivable grounds of justice will 
you grant the ballot to the ex-convict, to the 
ignorant foreigner, to the negro, to every un- 
worthy American male, and refuse it to the 
women who are descended from the Mayflower, 
the women who are the educators of the country, 
the mothers? 

Oh dear, we are a civilized lot of people and 
yet when it comes down to the very essence of 



The American Heart 41 

the test, we fail. Why can't we trust the women 
with our ballot? I am sure that they can not 
make more misuse of the ballot than the men 
have made. It is not a question of whether 
women will improve conditions of the franchise, 
it is a matter of justice — justice. 

Why can't man trust the ballot to woman? 
When a man marries a woman he trusts his stom- 
ach to her cooking, he places his joy and happi- 
ness at her command, he hazards his very exis- 
tence to his wife. If he denies her the ballot he 
certainly must think more of the ballot than he 
does of himself. And so, man trusts his wife 
v/ith the mental, moral, physical, and spiritual 
development of his children. She can be trusted 
with life and should not be denied the privilege 
of having a voice as to the best development of 
life. The home would not be broken up, but the 
conditions would be more wholesome and the 
world would be a safer place for their children 
to live. 

I, too, would be delighted to see you and have 
a real tete a tete. You must be terribly lonesome, 
but many times, thoughts of one are far more 
desirable than actual presence and reality. More- 
over, I'm afraid we would scrap. Pretty soon 
the warm weather will be coming on, and where 
will you pass your time? I'll try not be formal 
as you have so many times requested, but you 



42 The American Heart 

know just how I feel and yet, as much as I try 
to be different, I can not change my attitude. 
With every best thought for you, I am. 
Most sincerely, 

Kitty. 



June 14, 1913. 
Dear Kitty: 

My studies are about over for the year and 
now I will have an opportunity to get ac- 
quainted with beautiful Germany. We have 
here a confederation including the four king- 
doms of Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria and Wur- 
temberg, together with six Grand Duchies, 
seven Principalities, three free Cities and one 
Imperial Province. 

Prussia is the largest and most populous of 
German states. The German Empire is a little 
larger than France, but it is much more densely 
populated. Saxony is the most densely popu- 
lated country in the world. North Germany 
and all east Germany occupy a portion of the 
great plain of Europe. South of this plain is 
the Central Plateau, which, in the western half 
of the Empire extends to the Alps. It is the 
part of the same worn-down mountain region 
that boarders the plain in France, and extends 
eastward through Austria. Rivers have cut 



The American Heart 43 

deep valleys in this plateau, and low mountain 
ranges rise above it. 

In Germany, eight millions of the population 
are engaged in tilling the soil. Manufactur- 
ing, wool-growing and mining are also leading 
pursuits. 

The Germans are thrifty, ingenious and in- 
telligent. We are indebted to them for many 
great inventions, and for scholarly works and 
the ancient languages, and chemistry and phil- 
osophy. They are noted for their love of 
music and some of the greatest composers have 
been Germans. 

The nation owes her high rank and her in- 
fluence among nations to her public schools 
and her army. Every child must go to school 
and every man must serve in the army. This 
system vvas adopted many years ago, and today 
the German public schools and universities are 
famous, and the army of the empire is one of 
the best in the world. 

Somehow, I cannot understand why there 
is constant secrecy in Germany's official cir- 
cles. They are preparing munitions and ap- 
pliances of war and I do not see any reason 
for their labor in that direction. The children 
here play w4th tin soldiers and use all kinds of 
toys that suggest a military mind. They are 
taught to stand by Germany, whether right or 
wrong. 



44 The American Heart 

That is the only thing I do not care about 
and somehow, it is very repulsive to me. You 
know, my dear girl, I feel that "underhanded" 
people are possessors of that quality. What is 
this war preparation for? I do not want to 
think that Germany will some day be a dis- 
appointment to me. 

What if we should quarrel? A discussion 
of personal differences affords a better under- 
standing. "He never makes a friend who 
never makes a foe." "Nicht war?" 

Do write me soon, as I enjoy a word from 
you. Admiringly yours, 

Billy. 

Newport, R. I., July 3, 1913. 
My Dear William: 

Fortunately, your heart is with me. That 
gives me some assurance that you will return 
to the United States. If Germany is as effi- 
cient as you say, surely, by this time, your af- 
fections might have slipped over to "her." 

Now that beautiful summer is here with 
her joyful activities, I hope you will indulge 
to your heart's content, as the season is so 
short and before realization comes, the sturdy 
bleak cold winter, full of hard studying is at 
your heels. 

Try to be with mother nature as much as 



The American Heart 45 

you can. That great mother is inspiring to 
all of us regardless of nationality, that great 
mother of all, who is as beautiful to the rich 
as to the poor, who comforts the troubled 
spirits and the sick bodies, who is a medium 
of repose and joy to the pessimistic, who is 
such a delightful retreat, even to the happiest. 

It is now so intolerably warm that I find it 
difficult to concentrate my mind upon letter 
writing, but I know that you are happiest when 
you hear from me, so feel duty bound to re- 
spond to your call. Yes, I would like to be 
with you, if only to have a chat and exchange 
our opinions of things in Germany. I really 
envy that country because your thoughts seem 
to be concentrated there. You like the very 
atmosphere and w^ith your studies, you are im- 
proving the mind as well as the body. 

Newport is one of our best summer resorts, 
and I know you would prefer this beach to any 
you have in Germany. We spent many delight- 
ful weeks at the home of your aunt and I will 
never forget the bathing, driving, horse-back 
riding, tennis — all the sports I love so well, 
and at times I feel perfected enough for a 
challenge, when you return. 

At present. I am seated on the swing, try- 
ing to write — I have just finished reading a 
book in vvliich the writings are possessed of a 
rare charm and beauty, suffused with a soft 



46 The American Heart 

glow of imagination. I Igve that style of 
literature, because the tales exhibit a consider- 
able degree of spontaneity, naturalness of 
fancy, and with all — that high moral tone which 
is a marked characteristic of the author. How 
engaging and fascinating they are, even more 
so than my school lessons. 

Now as the sun is setting, and a crimson 
lining is manifest, a thought which you wrote 
me regarding civilization comes to me. Why 
do you use so relative a term? There is no 
civilization. We won't have any until the 
mysteries of life shall be unveiled. People 
must learn a universal morality, the morality 
of the great as well as the small, the morality 
of humanity which should unite instead of 
separate mankind, the morality which should 
protect the weak and not sacrifice, the morality 
which should inspire instead of discourage. 
What kind of civilization is there when the 
metal, shining or dull, marks the person as 
to grade and importance? Poor people are 
classed with the low people, and the money- 
class are those whose opinions are accepted. 
I am a cheerful optimist. 

I know unenviable conditions are existing. 
People must work for existence. There is no 
civilization that will disclose the secret of get- 
ting things done according to the real "simple 
life." 



The American Heart 47 

Just as we know the moon, the stars, the 
comets and the heavens in general, so we are 
acquainted with the term, "civilization"— only 
by name, nev/s from the heart. 

I could enumerate many instances of the 
v>rong use of the word civilization. We are 
blinded by our own optimism ; we believe that 
we are the leading country, that we are the 
best educated, the most cultured, our world is 
the best v/orld and the human family the great- 
est of all the animals. Yet we must know 
that civilization as well as culture, is a com- 
parative term. We can readily understand 
why a blind man would regard sight a neces- 
sary factor for civilization, or why a deaf man 
would regard hearing as one of the supreme 
requirements. But when we have sight and 
hearing we do not consider them the only 
essentials for civilization, or as even one essen- 
tial. I do not believe that any one can give 
a perfect picture of the perfect civilization. 
But there are certainly some landmarks, some 
far-off pillars against the sky, which we must 
reach before v/e can come within the influence 
of the perfect civilization. 

So each person vv^ho. has a normal quality 
lacking, is bound to insist that this quality is 
extremely necessary for the perfect life. Tak- 
ing it all in all, we have no living person who 
can decide or dare decide whether all the char- 



48 The American Heart 

acteristics necessary for this perfect civilization 
exists. Opinions differ. The majority is not 
always right and the individual has no author- 
ity to give a verdict. 

After the extreme of evil, for example, we 
have not yet reached the point where war 
shall end with the victory for the side which 
had the opportunity to send the first bullet, 
with strength enough to immediately deaden 
the opposing side; we have not yet come to 
the point where thought communication shall 
take the place of words. We must first reach 
and be masters of every conceivable circum- 
stance and then consider the question of civili- 
zation. 

The further into civilization we get, the fur- 
ther away from nature we are bound to find 
ourselves. Civilization knows no aesthetic sense 
— feelings of the heart — it overlooks efforts of 
intelligence and invention. 

When one mother can feel for other children, 
with the same emotions as those born of her 
body and pain and endurance; and when chil- 
dren shall have the same confidence in all 
mothers as in their own; when the single love 
of one heart is distributed to all hearts ; when 
good health is for every one and medicine en- 
tirely eliminated ; when women shall control 
the birth of their issue without condemnation ; 
when the negro can be loved as well as the 



The American Heart 49 

Avhite man ; when intermarriage of the white 
with the yellow races will not make us shudder ; 
when Jesus Christ shall be thought of as simply 
a man of great ability and not of Godly power ; 
when all ministers and priests shall preach and 
practice in a new way, and we shall have no more 
forlorn and fearful sermons vv4iich have passed 
through the ages of tradition ; when there are no 
more murders, no sinking of men at sea or kill- 
ing of men on land ; when prisons and electric 
chairs are discarded — then, when the love in each 
heart is unselfish— CIVILIZATION V/ILL 
EXIST ! 

Perfect civilization has never existed. What 
we call by that name today will to some future 
age be as the life of the Hottentot is to us. To 
ourselves we are not barbaric, but to the course 
of future ages we are. 

There is no steadiness in our judgments. What 
we consider today is morally right, was yester- 
day, in another age, a hideous crime or sin. And 
things which are wrong and unwise to us, were 
in that day, perfectly right and proper. In dif- 
ferent parts of the world today there are differ- 
ent manners and customs and each separate coun- 
try thinks their manners and customs are the 
most progressive and the best. 

In Turkey a man may have several wives, 
with the approval of the divine and earthly law. 



50 The American Heart 

as it is interpreted in that country. But to have 
more than one wife in other countries is a crime 
against heaven and man. In France the custom 
of drinking wine at all meals as we do water, 
seems an act of extravagance to us. In Arabia, 
women are compelled to wear veils below the 
eyes as a mark of self respect. We do not fol- 
low that custom, in fact, we scorn it. The women 
of Africa wear rings in their noses — they regard 
it as a mark of distinction among the v>realthy. 
We would hardly think that. What we believe 
is morally right, other countries think morally 
wrong. Where the Sultan has as many wives 
as he can possibly support and gives each a good 
home, he regards it as wrong for our people to 
criticise him — when as a matter of fact, some 
men in our country take one wife and can't sup- 
port her, or, have one wife and continue relations 
with many other women. W'ho is there to judge? 
One class of people say they are right and another 
maintain they are. The majority rule is not 
always right. 

Even our faith changes with the times. The 
Bible is interpreted in quite a different way now 
than it was, even in our fathers' time. Before 
Christianity there was Paganism, and before that 
the worship of the sun. Each faith endured thou- 
sands of years and was, or is followed by mil- 
lions of people. There was a time when he, 
whom we call the "business man" was an outcast 



The American Heart 51 

and a pariah. The banker was the despised 
money changer and any merchant had to sit be- 
low the sah^ if he was lucky to sit anywhere at 
my Lord's board. 

Equality is the key-note to civilization and 
when all people have opportunity to live under 
the three great laws of life, self-preservation, de- 
velopment and harmony, courts of law Vvill no 
longer be needed. 

The mystery of life is the missing link to civi- 
lization. We are surrounded by mysteries but 
this is the greatest. People argue and stand 
appalled that we must meet the conditions of 
our own time — that we are not barbaric and 
that we are the most civilized people. Yes, to 
ourselves we are. 

Take for example the little ant hill. My stick 
causes a rupture, the ants run hither and thither, 
not knowing Vv'hat peculiar power hit their little 
world. On the side that is damaged the little ants 
know all about the accident, perhaps they think 
it is an earthquake. The ants on the other side 
of the hill know nothing about the catastrophe — 
perhaps the same pictures would apply to our 
our own earth. We call the unknov/n, "planets,'' 
and the ants might in their own civilization call 
other ant hills something that we know nothing 
of. Perhaps when we have an earthquake or a 
catastrophe of some kind, it is a higher power 
that is watching the result of our lives, even as 



52 The American Heart 

we watch the broken ant hiil. To us it is clear, 
to the ant world it is a great mystery. 

Have you ever been up on a high building 
and looking down on the people in the street? 
Did they impress you as anything more than 
ants? Broadway at six in the evening, viewed 
from the 40th story of the Wool worth Building 
gives one a new view of life. Often have I 
stood and marveled at the sight of the tiny human 
forms running about below me, each an individual 
brain, but from that height, not one could be sin- 
gled out. Men and women looked alike. Such 
great heights make one feel that there must be 
a power that looks down upon us, as we look 
down upon the ants. And as I, from the pinnacle 
of the building could distinguish nothing of the 
emotions of those who walked so far below me, 
so it must be to some higher power. Our great- 
est emotions and difficulties must leave him 
tranquil, for he knows the just end of man 
Maeterlinck wrote : "The greatest crimes and 
disturbances of men were to God, only as the 
playing of puppies on the hearth rug." 

But as I look about me and see the sky, the 
clouds, and all the hidden wonders of nature, 
I can't help but think of the unimportance of any 
individual regardless of genius and individuality. 
We are acquainted with the circumference, the 
surface, in a superficial, vague manner. What 
do we really know about anything? Who is 



The American Heart 53 

there to judge whether anything is right or 
wrong? We are bhnded and hypnotized by our 
own optimism ; v/e beheve that we are the leading- 
race and have class distinction, but, my dear 
friend, we flatter ourselves. We can see only the 
white race, as the most refined, the best educated, 
superlatively cultured, and the leading set of 
people. We expect to dictate to the red race, the 
yellow, the bl^ck, the ''gray" — we want every 
people to look up to us. We don't give a thought, 
or care what the actual opinions of another color 
or race are, of us. 

Cheerfully, I accept the conditions, as I am one 
of the white race, and feel that I am one of the 
fortunate class. 

Our world is temporary and our existence very 
materialistic. Those in every community who 
are anyway idealistic and allow their minds to 
drift away from tangible things, are called 
"crazy." Why such terms when no innermost 
thoughts are explainable? 

Perhaps we are after all, the missing links, and 
are so acknowledged by a higher power. The 
monkey looks down, man looks straight ahead 
and perhaps those of the future will look up and 
the highest power looks back. Why the Dar- 
winian theory is so widely accepted raises a ques- 
tion to many minds. Would not the existence 
of a civilization open the door to truth? 

In civilization fame plays no part unless uni- 



54 The American Heart 

versally known and even then it is temporary. 
Today a man may be famous in liis own little 
field, yet it amounts to but a drop of water in the 
great ocean of this earth's life, and is finally 
absorbed as other natural things. The presi- 
dent of a country is a local matter. Nobody but 
his immediate family and country are really con- 
cerned with his welfare. Men and women who 
mark their importance in the medical field are 
only known in a certain little group. Men and 
women who achieve success in any field, are 
only known to that particular field for a speck 
of time and soon after drop out and are for- 
gotten. Ambition today is to gain the laurels 
of the day or the friendship of recognition of 
influential people so as to further financial ends. 
Ambition sometimes meets obstacles, but it is 
usually successful, as I firmly believe that any- 
thing desired earnestly enough is obtained. Civi- 
lization is a step beyond ambition and fame. It 
is the realization of accomplishment, not in the 
one man, but in the whole human race. 

I know what are your thoughts of ambition. 
But right here, if I may say, I am striving to 
make a figure in a man's world. True, you con- 
demn and laugh when you trace my career from 
early childhood and see me as a dumb mute, until 
five years of age, then you see me as a little 
leader in elementary schools ; then as the class 
president of my graduating class at high school, 



The American Heart 55 

then as leader in the cause of woman's suffrage, 
then as a public lecturer, then as a winner of 
thousands of dollars worth of trophies, where the 
contestants were men and women of other prom- 
inent colleges, then you watched me at law school, 
at my settlement work, and even my prison 
w^ork. You were trying to enlist the aid of meiri- 
bers of my family to discourage nie. You ac- 
cused me of becoming masculine, and yet while 
I was preparing to unfold niy arras to the busi- 
ness world, I was inclined to be "mannish" and 
now, after I have achieved the first step toward 
my life's ambition I am more effeminate than 
most girls you meet. As soon as I am old enough 
to pass my b:ir examination in the state of New 
York, I intend to follow a political career. My 
sex should be no bar to any undertaking I should 
choose to pursue. Yes, and I may yet be pre-i- 
dent of the United States. Women are getting 
there — slowly, but surely. Women in the United 
States shall vote before 1920. I feel it, there- 
fore predict it. 

And maybe, I might surprise dear old Billy and 
take his advice, be crowned with the laurels as a 
queen and grace his home. My ambition first, 
and there must be no drawback, no interference. 
After all, men have a tendency to make girls 
side-track what they start out to do. 
With an ounce of affection, 

Kitty. 



August 2, 1913. 
Dear Kitty: 

Just tell me you care for me and I'll return 
to the States. You know that I love you and 
would be glad to give up anything in the world 
to win you. Of all the girls I have ever met, 
you are the only one who comes up to my ideals 
and I want you to know it. 

Don't be angry with me because I speak of 
this country and appear unpatriotic to my own 
land. You- know it is an American characteristic 
to knock our own and praise the other. Be 
patient with me. 

You need the stronger arm to protect you, 
child, and I want to be that man, who will 
guide your footsteps to the channel of love, pros- 
perity and happiness. Do consent to be my own 
sweet little girl, which will make me the hap- 
piest man on earth. I love you. I need you. 
I want you. 

Oh, Kitty, if you could only feel for me as 
I do for you, you would — I know you would 
consent to marry me. 

With a heart full of love for you, I am. 
Devotedly, 

Billy. 

56 



September 4, 1913. 
Dear Billy: 

Think of me kindly and friendly, but please — 
oh please ! Don't get silly. 

I must not — I can not marry you nor anyone, 
at present, as I am more devoted to my career 
than I could ever be to a man. I must go on 
undisturbed, and must not allow selfish man's 
emotions to carry me away from my plan in life. 
I want to be your friend, but I do not want you 
to love me in that way. Write about your work 
and be sensible. I know that you love me and 
want me to marry you. You don't know how 
honored I feel, but Billy, I don't want to marry. 

With every best wish. 

Yours, 

Kitty. 



P. S. — Naughty boy, somehow we agreed to 
write about conditions but you are allowing a 
breach to enter and thus side-track our purpose. 

K. 

57 



Heidelberg, Oct. 11, 1913. 
Dear Little Friend : 

Thus shall it be. 

In an earlier letter to you, I quoted Gibbon 
as saying, "The most civilized nations of modern 
Europe issued from the woods of Germany," 
I want to add to that quotation my opinion that 
the Germans themselves, in many respects are 
still in the woods. 

To understand the life of Germany and its 
culture, one must bear in mind that the Vater- 
land is not a brand new country ; that its natives 
have not adjusted themselves to modern civiliza- 
tion ; and that Germans, not only are suspicious 
of foreigners, but lack confidence in themselves. 

Having been for centuries, men of the forests. 
the Germans herd together from habit, fearing 
to be alone. In a crowd, at a picnic or schutzen- 
fest, the German is boisterously happy, but left 
alone, the wild beast of his imaginatior drives 
him to melancholy and suicide. 

One reason for the existence of the r«erman 
army is the national feeling of loneliness. The 
second reason is purely a matter of rvolitical 
geography. 

58 



The American Heart 59 

Germany is about three-fourths the size of our 
state of Texas, and about four times the size of 
our state of New York. It is situated in the very 
heart of Europe, surrounded by Russia, Austria- 
Hungary, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland 
and Dtniiiark. Across the North Sea is iti mighty 
competitor, England. So situated and confronted, 
Germany has escaped the destructive -graves of 
feminism, which makes manly women and wom- 
anly men, and that is her benefit; bu: her circle 
of competitors and enemies has mad i her a vic- 
tim of militarism, which some day .may be her 
undoing. 

I have inquired of many wxll-' formed Ger- 
mans as to the reasons for thei country's de- 
votion to things military and 1 /,ve been given 
many explanations, but the p /amount reason 
seems to be the idea that the a ny is the nation's 
chief defense against invasio and destruction by 
jealous neighbors. 

Personally, 1 abhor soldiers and soldiery ! 
The soldier's uniform fills me with disgust and 
horror. Like begets like, and I am sure that 
Germany's military establishment furnishes the 
reason and excuse for the military establishment 
of her neighbors. 

For me, a pacifist, Germany still remains the 
land of the Nibelungenlied, and of Grim's fairy 
tales, of giants and gnomes, stalks and turretted 
castles. 



60 The American Heart 

Since writing my last letter to you, I have 
been to Leipsic. This is the city which produced 
such extraordinary men as Liebnitz and Wagner 
and brought to itself Bach, Schumann, Men- 
delssohn, Hiller, Goethe, Schiller and Gellert. 

Unlike Berlin, Leipsic is not a town of the 
noveau riche. There is nothing gaudy and 
tawdry about it; mingled with its homely inti- 
macy is that air of elegance and good taste, al- 
most French, found only among folk of breed- 
ing and refinement. August Sachs says, "There 
is no other great city in the land that more fully 
represents real Germanism in its universality." 

Since the eighteenth century Leipsic has been 
the publishing center of Germany. There are 
about 1,000 book publishers and at the book ex- 
change, nearly 12,000 booksellers are repre- 
sented. 

On the Augustus Platz is the 500-year-old uni- 
versity, which is one of the academic glories of 
the world. 

As soon as I can spare the leisure tim.e, I pro- 
pose to visit the German City of Dreams. "Where 
is that?" I almost hear you ask, "Is it Dres- 
den?" "Nurenburg?" No. It is Rothenberg, the 
enchanted ! 

From all of this, you see, I am thoroughly 
saturating myself with Germanism and run the 
risk of speaking Bostonese with a German accent 
in the days to come. 



The American Heart 61 

The days to come ! Where shall I spend them 
and with whom ? I must not forget that you are 
wedded to the single life; that you consider no 
living man ces Table as a husband and that I 
have been warned not even to hope ! Cruel judge 
and sentence ! Perhaps I do hope, notwithstand- 
ing. Perhaps I have dreams that when you have 
failed in your "career," for which I pray, you 
will turn your heart and eyes in my direction. 
Perhaps I imagine that you are more feminine 
than you think yourself to be; and that when 
the awakening comes, you will see that your as- 
sumed masculinity is a weak rod on which to 
lean. Then you vvill turn to me for support and 
affection. 

God grant for both our sakes it may be soon! 

William. 

November 13, 1913. 
Dear Billy : 

Happiness consists of one's best thoughts. 
There are some people who seem to be happy in 
brooding. Most women are happiest in tears. 
We do not always understand, nor can we ex- 
plain those things. 

Some people enjoy contentment and happi- 
ness in the open fields, while others find happi- 
ness in a cave niche among the rocks, isolated 
and remote from all habitation — a morbid and 



62 The American Heart 

lifeless place — bulwarked about by indomitable 
rocks. Rain and storrns beat through with no 
rays of the sun ever penetrating. The sea ex- 
ploits its whims and rudeness by constantly dash- 
ing waves within. 

Conscience might be battling between bitter- 
ness of action and faith in God — hence happi- 
ness. Some rejoice in sunrise — I do, in sunset. 

I am wondering and longing to know whose 
arm does fate decree. Does nature really intend 
that woman should depend upon the strong arm ? 
I feel that the relationship of man and woman 
should be of thorough understanding and mar- 
riage should be based upon love and mutual con- 
sideration. Women should not marry merely for 
that protection and physical guidance. Men 
marry for convenience and innermost comfort, 
but woman with heart and brain, wants a col- 
league, an adviser — and sometimes, but not often 
— a sympathizer for her womanly tears. Re- 
member that woman is deprived of the joy of 
crying if no one is around to console her. 

The more I think of absent friends, the more 
lonely I become. 

Always, 

Kitty. 



December 9, 1913. 
Dear Kitty: 

If tears help, we should all shed them as the 
old year is drawing to a close. 

The old year is about to go out and just when 
the atmosphere should be clear, there is a rest- 
lessness, a confusion among the Germans. War 
is their ultimate goal, as they have premeditated 
and deliberated how they would become the rul- 
ers of the world, how they would proceed to 
gain world dominion, how they would control the 
bodies and property of every race, every nation, 
every creed. 

They speak of themselves as the German God, 
and say that other nations would not pursue them 
because they are revered, reverenced and wor- 
shipped for their spiritual superiority. 

The German mission seems to be consecrated 
in the form ! "Ye are the salt of the earth ; Ye 
are the light of the world!" Why my dear 
Kitty, can you imagine them to feel that they 
are the center of God's plan of the world? It 
is the absolute belief of the Germans that the 
hidden meaning of God was that he made Israel 

63 



64 The American Heart 

the fore-runner of the Messiah, and in the same 
way He has by His Hidden intent, designated the 
German people to be His successor. In a mod- 
ern German school book we read that "Christ 
shall be a German Christ for us Germans, and 
that God has a special mission for Germany, as 
distinct from the rest of the world, in a virtue of 
which Germany cannot succumb and die, but 
must live and conquer.'' 

The more exclusive Jesus is preached, the less 
does He help to form states ; where Christianity 
attempted to come forward as a constructive 
force, that is, to form states and dominate civi- 
lization, there it was farthest away from the 
Gospel of Jesus. Now this means for our prac- 
tical life, that we construct our house of the 
state, not with the cedars of Lebanon, but with 
the building stones from the Roman capitol. 
Hence we do not consult Jesus when we are con- 
cerned with things which belong to the domain 
or the construction of the state and of politi- 
cal economy. This sounds harsh and abrupt to 
every human being brought up a Christian, but 
appears to be sound Lutherism.. 

The attitude they assume is, "Lift up your 
heads ! Look to the heights, bend your knees 
before Great Germany !" 

Somehow I thought I liked Germany, but Ger- 
many can't be liked. It is not a democracy and 
the emperor professes to hold his crown by divine 



The American Heart 65 

right. The Prussian constitution exists only by 
the king's pleasure, and may be revoked by him 
whenever he sees fit. 

I see the cause of a war and the one who is 
responsible for the beginning of the great flame. 
Germany's speakers and writers say, "Whoever 
uses force without any consideration and without 
sparing blood, has sooner or later the advantage, 
if the enemy does not proceed in the same way." 
One cannot introduce a principle of moderation 
into the philosophy of war without committing 
an absurdity. It is a vain and erroneous tendency 
to wish to neglect the element of brutality in war 
merely because we dislike it. It would be giving 
up ourselves to a chimera not to realize that war 
in the present will have to be conducted more 
recklessly, less scrupulously, more violently, more 
ruthlessly, than ever in the past. Distress, the 
deep misery of war must not be spared to the 
enemy state. The burden must be and must re- 
main crushing. The necessity of imposing it, 
follows from the very idea of national war. That 
individuals may be severely affected when one 
makes an example of them, intended to serve as 
a detriment, is truly deplorable for themv'But 
for the' people as a whole this severity exercised 
against individuals is a salutary blessing. When 
national war has broken out, terrorism becomes a 
principle ' which is necessary from a military 
standpoint. 



66 THE American Heart 

The whole nation of Germany is invigorated 
with war talk. The kaiser and chief of general 
staff said that war is inevitable. The evidence is 
abundant that Germany wishes world dominion. 

War is evil, and, Kitty, you know my views 
on the subject. I am a pacifist at heart. I feel 
that every man is — but he will not admit it to 
himself, or has not the courage of his own con- 
victions to pronounce his pacifism. 

According to the statician, John Edward Oster, 
war lowers the eugenic standard of humanity, 
because the most virile and best men are sent to 
an untimely grave. War babies are a result of 
every war, but in this day and age they are more 
than ever, if not for the first time, an affront 
to morality, a crime against humanity, and an 
insult to motherhood. From the viewpoint of 
posterity, war babies are unfit to build a race 
upon, and from the eugenic standpoint they are 
still more unfit. 

We are all descendants of war babies in a 
more or less direct or indirect manner, and as 
a result of this we are far inferior to the kind 
of people who would inhabit this planet if they 
had not been subjected to heavy continual losses 
of all those called to the front by conscription. 

The races of men today would be larger in 
physique and stronger in body and mind if it 
were not for the fact that war has continually 
drained off the cream of human perfection. The 



The American Heart G7 

French government, for nearly two centuries, de- 
tailed figures of heights and also the physical 
of all those called to the front by conscription in 
its great and fierce wars, shows that there has 
been a great deterioration during the periods and 
immediately following those when many men 
were used up in great battles. From the figures 
of the number of men examined out of each an- 
nual contingent of men who had reached the 
military age, we find that the standard of men 
has been becoming lower and lower. These fig- 
ures show the number of rejections and those 
who have certain infirmities to be greater than 
ever before per thousand. These figures prove 
that the average height of the men of France 
began notably to decrease with the coming of age 
in 1813, and from then on, of the young men born 
in the years of the Revolutionary wars (1T92- 
1802), and that it continued to decrease with the 
coming of age of the youths born during the wars 
of the empire. Soon after the cessation of these 
terrible man-drained wars, for the maintenance 
of which a great part of the able-bodied male 
population of France had been withdrawn from 
their families and their duties toward the race — 
that of reproduction — a new type of boys began 
to appear. The boys who were born after that 
period had elapsed, had in them an inheritance of 
stature that carried them by the time of their 
coming of age, in the later 1830's and 1840's, to 



6S THE American Heart 

a height one inch greater than that of the earlier 
generations born in war time. The average 
height of the annual conscription contingents 
born during the Napoleonic wars was about 1,625 
mm., and of those born after these wars it was 
thirty mm. higher, or about 1,655 mm. The fig- 
ures show this to be a positive fact. 

On account of the standard size of conscripts 
this had considerable effect upon the army. This 
fluctuation in the height of the young men of 
France had as an obvious result a steady in- 
crease and then a decrease in the numbers of 
conscripts exempted in successive years from 
military service because of under size. Immedi- 
ately after the restoration, when the minimum 
height standard was raised and certain French 
departments were quite unable to complete the 
number of men they v/ere supposed to have, as 
young soldiers of sufficient height and vigor, 
according to the proportion which furnished 
these men. The strong men had been killed in 
battle, and the fathers were necessarily shorter 
men, if the tall men were killed off before their 
time came. 

Size and height were but a few of the short- 
comings of these men who were raised up from 
tlie war situation. Running nearly parallel with 
the fluctuation in number of exemptions for 
under size, is the fluctuation in numbers of ex- 
emptions from infirmities of various sorts. These 



The American Heart 69 

exemptions for infirmities and undersize in- 
creased by one-third in twenty years. Exemp- 
tions for undersize and infirmities nearly dou- 
bled in number in that time, but the lessening 
again of the figure of exemptions for infirmities 
was not so easily accomplished as was that of 
the figure for undersize. 

The influence of the Napoleonic wars was so 
great and so strongly felt that it was apparent 
in everything connected with the welfare of the 
people, in fact the whole nation was put on the 
down grade. The recruiting stations of the coun- 
try reveal the fact that the whole nation was set 
back much more than was otherwise known, for 
many of those great hurts to a people can not be 
readily distinguished. The general vigor of the 
people was impaired in a far greater manner than 
was the stature, which was greatly lessened. The 
importance of war, or in any other occupation for 
that matter, of vigor and capacity over size, has 
been well shown to us in late years by the Jap- 
anese. 

The figures for Germany and for any other 
country which have ferocious wars, are practically 
the same, for the statistics all show decided de- 
terioration in regard to physique, stature, 
strength and endurance. 

The race deteriorating influence of the Napo- 
leonic wars and the great wars is a subject so 
important that the whole time of this article 



70 The American Heart 

given to that subject alone, would not tell half the 
story, in regard to the influence exerted on the 
generations immediately following. On the basis 
of the Italian statistics of recruitment, Livi has 
attempted to show the absence of any disad- 
vantage working of military selections, but even 
from his own statistics and from his own deduc- 
tions, a wholly different state of affairs is shown 
than he intended to divulge. While he seems 
able to deny the results that might be expected in 
certain of the northern departments as compared 
with each other, his figures tell an entirely dif- 
ferent story for North Italy taken as a whole. 
From his own figures for North Italy quantita- 
tive race deteriorating result is certain critical 
periods as plainly demonstratable. In Saxony 
there are plain figures that show an increase was 
necessary in military exemptions in the classes 
o f certain years following by twenty-year periods 
of strenuous warfare. The same is also to be 
seen in Prussian statistics, but not in so pro- 
nounced a manner. 

The evidence regarding the result of the short 
but severe Franco-Prussian war will be an ex- 
ceedingly valuable but interesting affair. The 
birth rate is not only affected for a long time, and 
the mortality tables change, but there are in- 
creased numbers of exemptions from undersize, 
and in some places from infirmities. If the war 
had been of several years more duration there 



The American Heart 71 

would have been many more of the latter cases. 
In connection with this are also the rate deteri- 
orating, results caused by variation in crops and 
their proper cultivation, industrial changes, emi- 
gration, general prosperity and many other things 
which do not seem to be of very much importance 
at first consideration, but when properly weighed 
in the balance by the conscientious investigator 
they mean and signify very much. Soldiers are 
of course not all killed in battle. There is an- 
other side to militaristic maneuvering which is al- 
most as deadly as gun fire and that is the disease 
spreading tendencies of army life. Perhaps the 
greatest danger from war comes from tlie spread 
of disease. In these days of modern methods 
regarding ventilation, cleanliness, etc., there is 
not so much danger along these lines as was ex- 
perienced years ago, but nevertheless there is still 
a great danger in the relation of war to human 
disease, and particularly of a special type of dis- 
ease, whose results are, above all else, directly 
race deteriorating in effect. I do not mean to makj 
it appear that the special danger of disease to men 
in military service has been overlooked by $^ta- 
dents of public hygiene or by the advocate of 
international peace. No particular stress seems 
to have been put, so far, and the immediate race 
degenerative influence of a special part of this 
disease. In times of war, disease has reaped as 
great a harvest of deaths and permanent bodily 



72 THE American Heart 

break downs in the armies as the bullets and 
bayonets of actual battle. In such bloody affairs 
as Austerlitz and Wagram, Moscow, Lutzen, 
Magenta, Solferina, Waterloo, Gettysburg, and 
others. The twenty per cent of mortality by ac- 
tual gun fire was increased by disease in the same 
campaigns to the appalling proportion of sixty 
ana even seventy per cent. 

The British losses in the Crimea in two and 
one-half years were three per cent by gunfire 
and over twenty per cent by disease. The figures 
of Napoleon's Russian campaign show an amount 
of deaths from actual gun fire with the enemy as 
being of little importance, but yet the entire army 
was practically lost. 

An unreasonable amount of exposure to the 
hot sun in the trenches of the European war in 
the summers of 1914 and 1915 together with the 
damp and wet conditions of same, and the expos- 
ure to the intense cold of the winter work in the 
same places has made a large per cent of men 
engaged in that manner, rheumatics and invalids 
for life. The strength of most of those men 
after they have returned to their homes will be 
conspicuous by its absence. And this is the story 
of the scourge of humanity, war. Fortunately, 
there has been a steady decline in the relative fig- 
ures of loss by disease, but a radical exception 
to this rule is the record of the Japanese armies 
in the Russo-Japanese war. 



The American Heart 73 

The United States has even lost more men pro- 
portionately in the last war, the Spanish-Ameri- 
can war, among those who never got within sight 
of the enemy, than among those who had the 
opportunity of charging up San Juan Hill. And 
all these military losses by disease in times of 
war, are in proportion, it is needless to say, far 
in excess of the losses that occur at the same time 
in the civil population. Even in times of peace, 
despite the fact that soldiers are cared for under 
conditions that should make disease controlled 
than in the case of the bulk of the civil popula- 
tion, and despite the fact that the men in the mili- 
tary service have already passed an examination 
which puts them far above the average in health 
and bodily endurance, and which the selected test 
weeded out from among these men all individuals 
already tainted by obvious organic and constitu- 
tional diseases, it has not arrived until the years 
of the present decade to break the long-enduring 
rule of a higher mortality in times of peace in 
the military than in the civil population. The 
endurance of these selected men is great, and 
their physiques are of the very best found, but 
in spite of that the death rate is high in com- 
parison to those who are not soldiers. 

The first thing that strikes a person as pecu- 
liar is the high mortality of a soldier's life after 
examining the figures. Even in times of peace, 
despite the fact that soldiers are cared for under 



74 The American Heart 

conditions tliat should make disease more pre- 
ventable and more easily controlled than in the 
case of the persons engaged in other kinds of 
work they seem to go to pieces at a very high 
rate, and this is not because the men were serv- 
ing in tropical countries, or in other conditions 
unfavorable to them. In the first decade after 
the restoration of the mortality from disease in 
the French army at home, was about twice that 
among men of the same age in the civil popula- 
tion, so we see that the military is one of the most 
hazardous occupations for a person to become 
engaged in, and in any event is apt to shorten his 
life although peace should prevail constantly. 

During the middle of the last century the mor- 
tality among the armies of France, Prussia and 
England was almost exactly fifty per cent higher 
than among the civil population, and this estimate 
was taken on a peace footing. Naturally when 
any of these armies were serving abroad or in 
tropical countries the mortality was indeed con- 
siderably higher in every respect. A good exam- 
ple of this is shown in regard to the British 
troops serving abroad, and even outside the trop- 
ics, the mortality was one-third more than the 
army at home; and when serving in the tropics 
it was four times as great and in some instances 
even more than that. Now, in addition to this 
high mortality among the military part of the 
population, which has been specially selected for 



The American Heart 75 

full stature, vigor, and freedom from infirmity of 
any sort whatsoever, we have still another prob- 
lem confronting us right from this point. It is 
the pernicious weakening of the home of these 
broken down men who then return home, and 
thus are added to the civil population which is 
made so much weaker as a result. From the 
eugenic point of view this is one of the most seri- 
ous features of disease in the army. 

Much interesting data has been collected by 
scientists for various purposes which all points 
out the fact that a military occupation is ex- 
tremely hard for men. A record of typhoid fever 
in the French army, which was carefully worked 
out by Dr. Brouardel for a special French Com- 
mission on Military Hygiene, shows that the 
mean annual strength of the French army in 
France, Algeria, and Tunis in the thirteen-year 
period of 1872-1884, was 413,493 men, with mean 
annual deaths from typhoid of 1,357, and mean 
annual cases of 11,640 or one case of typhoid 
fever to every thirty-six soldiers. However, 
since the Franco-Prussian war there has been a 
rapid decrease in the numbers of deaths and 
cases of typhoid. The annual number of deaths 
per ten thousand men was reduced from 32.1 in 
the five-year period of 1875-1880, and 8.7 a dec- 
ade later. And in 1901 the number of deaths 
was reduced to the relatively low figure of 5.7 
per ten thousand men. The above result comes 



76 The American Heart 

from the lessening of the number of cases and 
not from a lower proportion of deaths to cases, 
for this ratio has remained about the same, which 
was twelve per cent from 1870 to 1900. 

On account of the hygienic methods discovered 
and used, the loss from typhoid is today no 
greater in the army than among men of similar 
age in the civil population. The army has the 
best kinds of hospitals and the best doctors in 
attendance. Therefore the proportion of deaths 
should not be greater. Warfare causes large 
armies and navies to exist, which are indeed a 
very breeding ground for the worst of human 
disease. The public does not recognize, which 
can't be too much emphasized, the importance to 
the community of the prevention of venereal 
disease. 

The intense desire of peace has found the 
strongest of its new motives in the hope of the 
development of the race which, except for the 
revolutionary force of militarism, has been in- 
finitely increased by the doctrine of evolution. 
So long as the classical idea of the state governed 
the minds of men, fathers and mothers brought 
up their sons to be warriors, which they do to 
this day in Japan. They did this without question- 
ing the right of the state to sacrifice for its own 
ends and needs, while mothers exhorted their 
sons to die bravely for the power and honor of 
the state which were then looked upon as the 



The American Heart 77 

highest vakies. But, today the fallacy of war 
is apparent to all who THINK. 

"War babies" is a term which might be ap- 
plied to all babies if they are to be slaughtered, 
or even apt to be slaughtered, or even apt to be 
slaughtered in huge international fights, mostly 
waged by a ruler who can only at the worst lose 
some earth, and some creatures whom they value 
as little, or perhaps even less. George Washing- 
ton knew what he was talking about when he 
said, "The friends of humanity will deprecate 
war wheresoever it may appear.'' And these 
greatest friends of humanity are today opening 
their mouths for the first time. I refer to the 
mothers of men who have furnished babies for 
war. 

Today many men and women regard it as their 
highest contribution to culture to be the parents 
of the new generation, and they feel it to be 
blasphemy against life — which to them is another 
name for GOD — that the beings their love called 
into existence, and fostered with infinite care and 
tenderness, the beings who bear the heritage of 
all past generations and the potentialities of all 
those to come, should be prematurely torn out 

of the great human chain of development. 

The pacifists are not cowards, they are not 
afraid of death. The mothers all risk their 
lives that men may live. The fact of death is not 



78 The American Heart 

the contention, but it is premature and meaning- 
less death which hurts. 

War prevents babies, because the massacre 
does not fall upon the oldest of the nation, those 
who have already made their contribution to life, 
nor upon the degenerates, for there would be 
some sense in that. But, NO, it is just the young 
that are mowed down. And among the strong- 
est and best, the most valuable for the works of 
peace, the best fitted to be the fathers of the 
new generation and the better order of things. 

The eyes of the populations of the nations 
will be opened at last and the wholesale hypno- 
tizing of men under the guise of patriotism and 
in the interests of militarism must comxC to an 
end when the mothers will teach their children 
what the costs of war amount to, and what the 
pay for same amounts to in the final reckoning- 
Times have changed, and no longer do moth- 
ers bring up their children in the double-faced 
morality, and teach them as individuals rather to 
suffer wrong than do wrong, rather to renounce 
their objects than to pursue them by unworthy 
means, and who bid them to put awtay the 
thoughts of vengeance and forgive their enemies 
— ^but who then with flaming eyes and inciting 
words exhort their sons as defenders of their 
country to commit acts which, as private persons, 
they regard as worse than base. These mothers, 
who with all the breath of their bodies blow the 



The American Heart 79 

flame of hate and envy, can not possibly prepare 
their sons, who become grown-up babies of war, 
to have minds in any manner prepared for peace, 
and much less to advocate it. 

Only the mothers who are new, those who do 
not wish to raise war babies, or babies for wars 
to annihilate, and who are guided by the evolu- 
tionary idea, penetrated by the love of life, will 
be able to teach to the new generation an even 
deeper veneration for the work of intellectual 
and material culture. These new mothers will 
be able to instill into the minds of their babies, 
an ever more burning hatred of the wanton waste 
of life, the devastation of culture, the degradation 
of souls which latent as well as acute warfare 
has up to the present forced upon mankind. 

People who can see farther than their noses 
know that ultimately right must triumph over 
might, although it may not be accomplished in 
the brief moment we call our lifetime. The dead 
triumph in us and we shall triumph in them, for 
their experience count for us. The dead and the 
unborn, whose behests we fulfill are the ones who 
count in this movement, while the impetus given 
to the peace movement, even by the strongest 
men of the times is but a wing-beat in the in- 
finite immeasurable ocean of air, but these count- 
less and innumerable wing-beats constitute the 
force that propels humanity forever forward 
and constantly upward. 



80 THE American Heart 

The awakening of mothers whose babies shall 
no longer be reared for warfare has now become 
a fact, and their longing will take shape in future 
generations and their work which must be fruit- 
ful. We, who are now alive and hard at work will 
soon be gathered to our fathers, but our dreams 
which have already manifested themselves in real 
works are fast moving in the light of dawn 
where war babies exist only as a forgotten night- 
mare. Then the three great armies left by war, 
namely the mourners, cripples and thieves, shall 
be supplemented by peace and good will among 
men. 

People are the inhabitants of the earth. We 
know of no other and perhaps we do not care. 
There never will be a time when war will cease 
abruptly until the secrets of the unknown power 
shall raise us a step as there is a missing link 
between man and a higher power. 

When will women raise their voices and pro- 
test against the inconsistency of war and human 
life? Will there ever be a time when war shall 
be regarded as a punishment? It should be the 
melting pot which invites all the undesirables of 
every description to war upon the other, so that 
law, righteousness and justice shall predominate. 
But as things exist today, we have no practical 
use for genius, unless it is for the destruction 
of numbers at a time, we have no joy in life be- 
cause there is no real freedom. True, masses 



The American Heart 81 

of people killed at a time do not make any ma- 
terial difference to the population. It is a small 
fraction which disappears, mourned for a while, 
and gradually forgotten. 

The fight for existence, or for selfishness, or 
for principle kill our men, unfortunately our 
best and youngest, but it is not the evil in itself 
that is objectionable, it is the digression of civi- 
lization. The only solution to the problem, is, 
INTERNATIONALISM. We must start with 
the unborn child and prepare ! Prepare to teach 
patriotism, so that the home country won't be 
defended whether right or wrong, but should be 
guarded and protected as one state in the Union, 
and teach LOVE for other children. This will 
lead us to the civilization where each nation shall 
be a state in the UNITED STATES OF 
THE WORLD. 

All obstacles must be fought down. FIGHT 
to BUILD. 

This hypocritical civilization ! There is none 
and never will be so long as there are some under- 
handed people. Very soon, I fear, the mail will 
be censored, so I hope you get this. They are 
practicing rifle shooting and every shot stirs my 
emotions to such a degree that I wish, instead 
of the world going crazy, to have the organ 
chords send chills through the spines of the peo- 
ple, and instead of awakening the enthusiasm to 



82 The American Heart 

"We must win/' I prefer the holy influence, "I 
must surrender to God." 

Yours until ad f initum, 

Billy. 

February, 1914. 
Dear Kitty. 

You are so self-centered in your work that 
I understand why I haven't heard from you in 
so long a time. 1 feel that you have taken up 
the study of prohibition and are working to 
eradicate that social, political and economical 
evil. 

Try to think on these points and in your 
activities think of the man who is here trying 
to get the culture so overestimated in Ger- 
many. 

In countenancing evil we countenance the 
source of evil, and by so doing give to despot- 
ism and every tyranny and barbarism the sup- 
port necessary to keep the people in error. 

While war is honored, morality has no 
foundation, for morality that honors evil is a 
perversion of common sense. It is the per- 
version of human conscience. 

Morality is absolute; it can only have good 
for its object. True morality can only exist 
through the eternal and envariable principle — 
the common interest of humanity. This prin- 



The American Heart 83 

ciple is not simply an appeal to reason, but it 
is incontestable in its very nature and is ob- 
vious to everyone. This principle of morality 
should teach us the consequence of every deed 
and give us power to weigh all human actions 
in such a manner as to justify or condemn 
them. 

If such a principle did exist, good and evil 
would be the same thing. The greatest virtue^ 
would not be distinguishable from the greatest 
vices. Tyranny would be as noble as liberty, 
despotism as legitimate as democracy, liberty 
no more rational than servitude, reason as law- 
less as force, the fraternity of nations no more 
righteous than war and carnage instigated by 
the ambition of despots. All human legisla- 
tion would be based upon arbitrary rules ; 
might would make right and might of force 
would be justice. 

Civilization never existed. There is nothing 
new in the world today. We might think that 
the inventions, such as the wireless and the 
self-propelled vehicles are new. We believe 
that Edison has invented something new. No. 
Genius cannot be accounted for and only the 
knowledge of a civilization can explain the 
phenomenon. Mr. Edison himself does not 
understand what power is behind electricity or 
back of his great talent for discovering things 
and putting them into action. 



84 The American Heart 

Lands that have been discovered are not 
always new. Perhaps years and years ago, 
the very land that is under Avater was a country 
like our own, where buildings of vast' feize, 
libraries of uncountable writings and every- 
thing that we now have and pride ourselves 
with, existed, but was gradually sunk by the 
artful and unexplainable forces of nature. Per- 
haps the very land we are now on will some 
time sink, remaining leagues and leagues under 
the sea until some day a likeness of Christopher 
Columbus will come from the land which is 
now called the Atlantic Ocean and suddenly 
discover a new country, but which in ancient 
times was called America. Undoubtedly many 
remains will exist. Perhaps the tower of the 
Woolworth building will serve as a clue of the 
old times. 

Hypocrites and hypocrisy — that is our so- 
called civilization ! Who are they who lay down 
the law^s for man to obey? Politicians in every 
country are the cheapest and dirtiest lot of 
men. The saloon is the incubator for them all 
and when such environment is combined with 
action which is supposed to be for the good of 
the people, there is bound to be failure. No 
civilization can exist where women are kept 
in political slavery, for women's work is the 
stepping stone toward higher living. It does 
not take much discernment to see that the rise 



The American Heart S5 

of women from the state of veritable slaves of 
men to their present position of near-com- 
panions and co-v orkers is also the story of the 
progress of civilization. 

We call ourselves civilized and allow the saloon 
to exist, the place where fathers, husbands ard 
sons learn to forget their ill-clad mothers, wives 
and children. It is the school in which sons 
learn to despise the quiet, pure joys of hom.e, 
to become vile in word and act, sluggish in 
ambition and to fetter their v.onderful souls 
and beautiful bodies with a demon's chains. 

It is our optimism which makes us believe 
in our present civilization. But as long as the 
conditions of the times are such that man must 
work for enough money for food, clothing and 
housing; as long as the professional man can- 
not be in the VNork for the ethical advance- 
ment, but must strugg-i£ .is any ordinary la- 
borer, so long as men and women are the es- 
sentials to the increase of the human race ; so 
long as men and ^■^■omen must satisfy their 
passions because the calling comes from with- 
in ; so long as no substitutes are known or 
can be invented or discovered, there is no su- 
preme civilization. 

We foolishly believe that we have civiliza- 
tion and it is not necessary to act in order to 
secure peace. But we do not act because we 
really have not civilization. We will never 



86 The American Heart 

have peace between nations until we have 
peace between ourselves and learn to respect 
the principles of God. I do not care what your 
religion is, whether you are Protestant, Cath- 
olic, Hebrew, Atheist, Agnostic or a combina- 
tion of all, for until we have peace with our- 
selves and with nations we do not have civiliz- 
ation nor democracy. Religions are clashing 
and although all are in the form to attain the 
same end, yet there is not a feeling of love, of 
one sect for the other. No matter what the 
belief, the creation and separation of mankind 
from the world at death, the entrance and the 
exit are the same. 

The papers which openly and carefully ex- 
pose to ridicule the Catholics and their church, 
prove that there is no brotherly love, therefore 
civilization is absent. Who is there to judge 
Vv hich form of religion is hypocritical or worthy 
of support? The handful of editors of Cath- 
olic and anti-Catholic, Clerical and anti-Clerical 
papers are not more acquainted with the un- 
known powers than we are and hence have no 
secrets that would entitle them to expound 
their spiritual ideas to the public. The priests 
who do all in their power to convert people to 
Catholicism are no more authorized to per- 
suade a class by fear or hope than anyone has 
to condemn them. Since we cannot judge, 
since we do not know, we likewise cannot be 



The American Heart 87 

judged because the friends and enemies of re- 
ligion do not know. 

All the churches are trying their utmost to 
have the largest congregations, perhaps the 
largest collections. The churches do good, but 
real civilization requires no outer manifestation 
of spiritual worship. It is all wrong — the 
churches, the priests, the ministers — all are 
under the traditional ideas and beliefs, and 
when reasons are called for, no satisfaction is 
obtained. The church today is not aiming to- 
ward uniting people but toward separating 
them — separating them into a thousand sects, 
creeds and cliquey. 

Is it God's will that people shall live in His 
name and w'orship him from morning to night? 
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the son 
of God and that He has wonderful supernatural 
powder. We are also the children of God, but 
we look up to Christ as to a lord and not as 
to a brother; we pray to him and not to God, 
the supreme Force. We celebrate the birth 
and anniversary of the Son and disregard His 
superior. Why do we do this? Because we 
are not yet in the age of enlightenment where 
we can stand up and declare our own convic- 
tions, speak out and defy all Biblical stories, 
w^hich were handed down, a mixture of fact and 
fable from father to son. 

And as we are willing to accept the huge 



88 The American Heart 

improbabilities of the Bible for facts, because 
we have been brought up that way and have 
no convictions based on our own thought about 
the matter, so we are willing to accept the 
improbabilities of civilization as we have it to- 
day and call it the civilization, wheii as a mat- 
ter of fact we are blind to any other. 

I do not mean to say that people should not 
have faith in the Scriptures. I feel that no one 
has the right to monopolize that faith — that 
there might be other faiths which will lead 
man finally to the supreme and unknown Force 
w^hich for ages has been worshiped in thou- 
sands of ways by thousands of creeds. Who 
gave the spiritual lav/s for man to follow? 
Are they not from his soul rather than from 
the heavens? Or are they man-made lav/s? 

Does not every religion reflect the personal- 
ity and even the inimitable manner of living, of 

the people w^ho w^orshiped under it? The 
heavens and the hells of medieval days were 
nothing more than reflections of the pleasures 
and the pains of this earth. 

People deceive themselves constantly w^hen 
they attend a church, pray, read the Scriptures 
and then permit war, the genius of destruction 
and hate, without hindrance but rather en- 
couragement. They read the command- 
ments, "Thou shalt not steal, "Thou shalt love 
thy neighbor as thyself," "Thou shalt not kill," 



The American Heart 89 

"Honor thy mother and thy father." If we 
loved our neighbors as well as ourselves, war 
would never be. "Thou shalt not steal !" 
Fighting for the possession of territory is steal- 
ing in the truest sense of the word. Is it not 
a fact that thousands of people are killed in 
order to satisfy the monstrous iniquity of our 
pride, ambition and selfishness? "Thou shalt 
not kill !" War is the founder of evil and death. 
"Honor thy father and thy mother i" Under the 

deplorable conditions of uar we forget human- 
ity and see only the nations, forgetting that 
the people make nations and not the nations 
make people. 

It is arrant nonsense to speak of the honor 
of a government. A nation can have honor 
only when its people are honorable, and people 
cannot be honorable unless they obey the com- 
mandments of God — VN^hich are also the com- 
mandments of man — and follow the purest 
lav/s of life. Do we honor our fathers and 
mothers v.hen we kill our fathers and would- 
be fathers directly, and indirectly by means 
of deprivation and neglect ; kill the mothers and 

the daughters? Do we honor our country by 
killing the strongest and the best, i. e., leaving 
only the crippled, the weak, the sick and those 
incapacitated by age or infirmity? Do we 
carry out God's intention by murdering the 



90 The American Heart 

desirable and leaving the undesirable to re- 
produce themselves in degenerates? 

No ! We honor no one, not even ourselves in 
victory. Are we to judge civilization by con- 
quests, victory, achievements, ability, genius? 
Who is the individual or class of people to 
judge or give the final verdict upon any activ- 
ity? No one. 

W^ith all respect to professors, scientists, 
psychologists, economists and all thinkers, no 
one can judge or be judged. Each one must 
accoimt on his own part for his own activities. 
Each in his own sphere in life has his own 
civilization. Look at the noted men of our 
time. These conspicuous persons, men of abil- 
ity, our contemporaries, although they may, to 
some extent, serve our purpose, they are few 
in number. What is known or Vv^hat is be- 
lieved of them at this passing moment is likely 
to undergo a severe revision in time to come. 
Of the vast mass of human actions, the things 
v/hich are daily done and said in the world 
around us, they are said and done according 
to a usage of speech and of diction; they are 
in accordance with the standing orders of a 
civilized community. 

To me, cilivization is the perfection of ac- 
quired knowledge, unrefutable and undebat- 
able. It is love from the heart, unselfishly dis- 
tributed with no underlying motive, no per- 



The American Heart 91 

sonal reason, where character is of the highest 
and achievement has no room for improve- 
ment. Are we there or even near it today? 
Answer for yourself. 

We do things, prompted not by law or order, 
but by impulse. Even thinking twice before 
we speak proves that a hesitancy on our part 
is evidence that we are swayed by many things. 

Since the beginning of the world we have 
had the stronger physical power overrule the 
weak. Can we conceive of anything more 
brutal than the bull fights for the entertain- 
ment of ladies and nobles? Would human in- 
telligence delight in such sports today? Of 
old the fight for existence Vv^as crude and cruel, 
and therefore they live under the theory that 
might made right. The arena attracted thou- 
sands and thousands of people dressed in their 
brightest and best to witness a fight between 
a huge, hungry lion and a poor, small man, 
vvho through misfortune or undesirable birth 
was given that punishment. Education gradu- 
ally came in and wiped out the arena. Educa- 
tion did wipe out the arena, but education must 
be still stronger and lead civilization. It must 
lead until even our prize fights are eradicated. 

Can we conceive of anything more treacher- 
ous than a massacre of people because of a dif- 
ference in religious beliefs? The Romans 
caused race prejudice and hatred among the 



92 The American Heart 

Jews and her people for many generations. 
Even the animosity which exists against the 
Jews today is revenge and antagonism inher- 
ited from ancestors. Our descendants will sur- 
pass us in educa: .ii and intelligence. But let 
us begin now to tear dov/n the barriers erected 
by prejudice, and then we shall see prevailing 
before us in every discussion a spirit of har- 
mony and mutual confidence. We would not 
incite riots or massacre people today because 
of the difference in religions any more than 
we would burn down a church because we did 
not believe in its principles. Education is 
bringing us to a point where we shall all be- 
lieve in God or the Unknown ; call it what you 
wdll, but v/e wall see no image of a person. 
That will rule our destiny, and yet civilization 
will not be present until the divine and our- 
selves shall be synonymous, and no secrets 
will be hidden from us. 

The exceptions in medieval France serve to 
recall the love of war in ancient times. People 
vv ere punished by death for the smallest theft ; 
to walk on pointed red-hot irons, or tortured 
by gradually cutting off the limbs ; these were 
the methods with which a supposed civilized 
nation used to instill respect of the inferior to 
the self-acclaimed well born. Today v/e have 
not the guillotine to chop off the offender's 
head and toss it to the crowd of spectators for 



The American Heart 93 

them to amuse themselves with at handball. 
We have developed a step and use more ad- 
vanced methods of inflicting punishment. We 
give sentences of hard labor, deprive offenders 
of their freedom, or inflict the maximum pen- 
alty of electrocution. But real civilization, such 
as we do not have as yet, will warrant other 
conditions, and Vvill not recognize such pun- 
ishments. The courts for settling individual 
differences are now needed even with their 
verdicts under the present laws, which gives 
the judge the right to control part, or all, of 
the future of the offender's life. 

There once lived a wealthy man who wanted 
to reform his wicked life in order to save his 
soul, and to regain the recognition of his old 
friends whom he had lost. He therefore vis- 
ited the priest, who advised him to be pitiful 
and sympathetic. The rich man walked home 
after agreeing with the priest that love and 
charity were above wealth and fame. 

That evening as he was comfortably seated 
near his fireplace smoking a good cigar, he 
heard the shrill voice of a woman outside, say- 
ing: 'T am cold and hungry." Immediately 
he recalled the advice of the priest, '*Be kind 
and sympathetic." With this thought in mind, 
he exclaimed: ''Ah, my dear woman, I pity 
you." The woman waited, and then cried 
again, "Dear sir, I am starving and almost 



94 The American Heart 

frozen." To this the man again replied, "Ah, 
dear woman, I sympathize with you." 

The next day the woman was found dead 
on the rich man's doorstep. He had given 
pity and sympathy, but that did not bring re- 
Hef to the suffering woman. It takes action 
on the part of human intelligence to relieve 
others. We may pity the poor sufferers of 
war, we may sympathize with those who cry 
"Peace!" but what good will it do if we only 
feel it? 

We must act. The only way to give relief 
is to establish international peace. We hear 
nations exclaiming in every tongue, "Peace, 
peace ! We want peace !" If you believe in 
peace, you must act, act in the same way you 
would to relieve any suffering. 

I believe with you, that the first law of life 

is self-preservation, which leads to the making 

of the individual. Development is the second, 

the stimulating of the intelligence by means of 

education. The third and most important law 

is equilibrium — the accord, co-operation and 

harmony of human life. When we shall have 

fully opened our hearts to these laws, peace 
will be substituted for war. 

Somehow I cannot believe it — but who can 
tell? Germany is preparing for a conquest — 
I feel it. 

Lovingly yours, 

Billy. 



March, 1914. 
Dear Billy : 

I hope you are wrong in your thought about 
war. Strange though, I, too, feel it coming. 

The cause of war is selfishness in almost 
every case. We want more land, more honor, 
more wealth, more recognition, more rights. 
In the old barbaric days we fought for these, 
but today we must submit our international 
grievances, not through a municipal court, not 
to the supreme court of a state, not to the su- 
preme court of a nation, but to the supreme 
court of the world — a new institution which 
makes the foundation for a new civilization. 

We cannot gain justice by means of fight- 
ing. You will recall the duel between Alex- 
ander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The latter 
wished to rule as he pleased, which naturally 
led to a duel. Might does not make right, and 
Hamilton, although the better man and in the 
right, was killed. Does not war result the 
same? 

Let us take the famous old battles and see 
if we derived any good from them. The battle 

95 



96 The American Heart 

of Marathon gave supremacy to Greece foi 
awhile. Art and architecture sprang up rapid- 
ly and fell as quickly. In time of peace, art, 
literature and architecture are created slowly 
but are permanent. 

The battle of Athenians at Syracuse and the 
battles of Arbela, Meturas, Chakon, Tours, 
Hastings — all these serve to prove that they 
lead to the sudden rise of ornamental structure 
and literature and to its sudden decline. John 
d'Arc's victory over the English, the defeat 
of the Spanish Armada, battle of Blanheim, 
battle of Pultowa, victory of the American 
army of Burgoyne, battle of Valmy, battle of 
Waterloo — all these decisive battles did good 
in elevating a public taste in art. For a good 
many years this influence was felt, but was 
finally lost. 

Art, literature and architecture must grow 
naturally and not artificially. Progress must be 
evolutionary and not revolutionary. 

War makes traitors. Why should we honor 
Nathan Hale and despise another country's spy? 
Is not one as despicable as another, when looked 
at from an impartial standpoint? Is it civiliza- 
tion that picks one man as the traitor and that 
same man as a spy? Of course it is expected that 
the one that does something for us, in the selfish 
view, again, is the one to be praised. Do we ever 
rate men as to their actual worth to a com- 



The American Heart 97 

munity ? No, we permit merx who become famous 
in the wars to stand out pre-eminently before us, 
and the worst is that we allow our children to 
study the infamous activities and hold these men 
up as models of heroism. War is glorified. Why 
do we not teach children a better side of life and 
use as a model, men of peace? For, although 
nations cry peace, war is taught their children. 

The sad resuhs of war begin to show them- 
sels immediately after the destruction. This is 
owing to our sensational emotions. Even in 
peace after accidents, murder cases and great 
calamities, poets and song-writers bring out 
"hits" and thereby make the sensation stronger 
and more exciting. In a short time the senti- 
ment weakens and diminishes and is not heard of 
until another sensation appears. 

After the Revolutionary war, a banquet v;as 
held and George Washington was noticed pour- 
ing tea from the cut into the saucer. When 
asked why he did this he answered, "The cup of 
tea represents the House of Representatives, a 
hot body; I pour tea from the cup into the 
saucer, the saucer represents the Senate, the cool 
body." So it is with countries. Our highest 
bodies may be lead by impulse to wage war when 
insulted. The Hague Conference was chosen 
because of its insignificant size, in order that 
quick tempered countries might have a cool, de- 
liberate body to act for them as the last resort. 



98 The American Heart 

I saw a cartoon once in which Germany was 
represented as saying, "I shall defend Miss Peace 
at all costs," and to which Great Britain an- 
swered, *'The same here and a bit more." Miss 
Peace between them breaks in with, "Well, let 
us hope they don't quarrel or there will be an 
end to me!" 

War is a license to commit all crimes with 
impunity. It is burglary, slaughter, devastation 
and ruin of nations. It overthrows all cus- 
toms, ideas of righteousness and truth. It is 
hated by all nations of the world. It is the way 
under which society sinks from bad to worse 
through unfolding all the subversive abberations 
to which man is subject. It results in treason, 
degredation, violation of life and property and 
ruin of progress. 

It is the story of the sacrifice of innocent peo- 
ple, of women outraged, of children tortured, of 
entire populations m.urdered, of every unspeak- 
able violence, of every kind of wickedness that 
has cursed the earth. It is the basest perversion 
of com.mon sense, the negation of every human 
right, the upsetting of society, and the annihila- 
tion of all the conquest of progress. 

The terrible violations of human life by war 
should alone suffice to show that those princi- 
ples of a high morality which should be the 
charge of men trusted with the government of 
nations, are by them completely unknovrn. Does 



The American Heart 99 

morality exist simply to protect individuals from 
violence and homicide? Is it not the mission of 
morality to teach kings, emperors, czars, and all 
rulers, the inviolability of human life before the 
law? 

It is considered a crime to attempt the life of 
a man or to rob him of his possessions, yet it is 
not counted a crime for monarchs to set armies 
of men to murder each other in uncountable num- 
bers, just to gratify their selfish motives. Oh, 
shame to humanity, women forsaken, mothers 
mourning, children without food, families re- 
duced to squalor and wrectchedness, calamities 
of all kinds — can all these be borne by man ex- 
cept as the result of an execrable crime? Shall 
fields be ravaged, villages destroyed, cities razed, 
industry ruined, labor indignation raised against 
those hands that are the cause? Shall not the 
blood that is lost, the limbs amputated, the hu- 
man forms mutilated, all the frightful spectacles 
of human carnage call down the destruction on 
destroyers and the execration and the malediction 
of Eternal Justice? 

What are we to think of morality and of hu- 
man laws when we see all the misery that war 
entails upon people? Shall we not bring down 
upon the authors of these evils the most fear- 
ful of punishments? The Creator has clearly 
pronounced an anathema upon war by the evils 
it inevitably causes to people and to nations. For 



100 The American Heart 

the makers of war — the basest treason against 
humanity — the expiation is subordinated to the 
Hving Moral La\v, and in the pillory of Divine 
Justice they must suffer the degradation that is 
reserved for them in this life. For they deceive 
themselves v/ho think that all human acts do not 
find their equilibrium before the bar of eternal 
nature. No real good that man can accomplish 
will go unrecompensed, no real evil unexpiated. 
Each one rises by the good he does, and each one 
sinks in proportion to the evil with which his 
life is laden. This is the real moral law that 
must be taught to despotism, as well as to all 
humanity. 

The education of the people is contrary to the 
government whose principle is force, and which 
holds the mass of human beings as tools, to be 
used as they see fit. The education of the people 
is the signal of the peoples' sovereignty; a sov- 
ereign and educated people inspired by the in- 
terests of labor and the prosperity of nations, 
would banish despotism and the spirit of war and 
inaugurate liberty and peace throughout the 
United States of the world. But for this end 
we must discover the moral law that condemns 
despotism and war. It v/ould be a wise pater- 
nalism which would, by law, require every school 
in every country desiring a civilization, the sys- 
tematic teaching of the universal kindness. This 
law must show to all eyes the execrable evils 



The American Heart loi 

caused by war and despotism, and exhibit them in 
such light that even despots themselves will re- 
coil at the sight. 

If your instinctive powers tell you there is to 
be war, come home. I do not want to see you 
in danger — so come. 

Yours, 

Kitty. 

May, 1914. 



Dear Billy 



I have been greatly worried about you. Why 
haven't I heard from you? Are conditions so 
bad that you cannot analyze your feelings and 
thoughts on the subject? Peace-seekers who be- 
lieve in preparedness are said to be dreamers and 
theorists. It is said that they indulge in illusions. 
Realists, patriots, and believers in preparedness 
are also indulging in illusions. 

In this country we are beginning to feel ab- 
horrence, a feeling of resentment, as though we 
were injured. Some are crying for preparedness 
to prevent catastrophies in this country. War, 
they admit is barbaric. They acknowledge that 
this country would never wage a war of aggres- 
sion. We would never do anything but defend 
ourselves. But, is that even beginning to ap- 
proach reality ? When we say that we abhor war 
and do not believe in it, are we facing the truth ? 



102 The American Heart 

There have been few wars in the past two 
hundred years in which each side has not pro- 
tested, and in all probability believed, that it was 
fighting in self defense. Napoleon never waged 
a war, never mapped out a campaign, or planned 
a battle, other than in self defense of France. 
The Roman empire was built defending itself. 
The British empire was built, as its archives will 
tell you, defending itself. Suppose Germany 
tried to colonize America, vv^hat would be our 
attitude? We would maintain that it would be 
in self defense, but v/e vv^ould have to fight on 
foreign soil. In other words, like all people, vv e 
think that all others are unrighteous, but that ours 
alone are "noble and righteous altogether." We 
are especially sure that our wars are righteous, 
because, we maintain, we won all of them, and, of 
course, our country could not have been wrong in 
any instance. The South has forgiven the Re- 
bellion, not only because it was beaten, but be- 
cause the slaves were freed, and our white 
brothers laid down their lives. This is not illu- 
sion. This is merely breaking the bubbles, and- 
pif fling toiiimyrot of loyalty, patriotism, and 
self defense. If we get down to facts and study 
the history of human action in the past, we will 
find that wars have never settled problems for 
nations, nor for the human race. 

Cromwell freed England from the Stuarts, 
established a democracy, and then set himself up 



The American Heart io3 

as king. But the scepter fell from the inert 
hands of his son, and the English people rushed 
the Stuarts back to the throne. Cromwell de- 
stroyed England's masterpieces of architecture, 
painting, sculpture, and manslaughtered several 
hundred thousand noble men, women and chil- 
dren. 

The Rockefeller and Carnegie of that age were 
George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. 
They were the two richest men in the country. 
And, what improved conditions and gave im- 
petus to this country subsequent to the Revolu- 
tion was not our independence of Great Britain; 
for, following our victory at Yorktov/n, we had 
several years of chaos, and almost anarchy, in 
which the thirteen colonies found themselves go- 
ing to the dogs. It was only after they united 
and began to co-operate, which is the great secret 
of human happiness and the corner stone of re- 
ligion, that their condition began to improve. It 
was co-operation, not independence, that gave 
this country its start. 

The war of 1812 was fought for the ostensible 
reason of securing the freedom of the seas, and 
of keeping Great Britain from searching our 
ships and impressing our sailors. We stoutly 
maintain now that we won the victory. What, 
in fact, did happen was that the capitol was 
burnt and sacked, and we v/ere repeatedly licked 
on land, though we did sink a few English ves- 



104 



THE American Heart 



sels. We signed the treaty of peace, which was 
more a confession that both sides were tired of 
a nasty and contemptible quarrel. It was after 
the treaty of peace was signed that we won our 
only land victory. In other words, our sub- 
conscious thinking should be well analyzed. As 
a Y. M. C. A. secretary once expressed it to me : 
"Man has to be tempered in a bath of blood. It 
was the cold steel and gunpow^der that made free 
the seas to American commerce. The sword 
gave us the great empires of Texas, New Mexico, 
and California. It was the sword that struck the 
shackles from the slaves and made this nation 
really one. It was the sword that freed Cuba 
from the cruel tyranny of Spain, and, perhaps, 
again we shall in righteous indignation have to 
draw the sword from the scabbard to uphold the 
cause of outraged humanity." 

If this is true, then, for the love of truth, for 
the love of logic, for the love of intellectual 
righteousness and rectitude, of spiritual stimula- 
tion and beverage, we ought to revise our Bibles 
and the Christian code. We ought to say that we 
should not turn the other cheek, and we should 

not love those that hate us, but, instead, we 
should take an eye for an eye, we should pray 
to God to confound our enemies, and help to aid 
Him in this task. We should not teach our chil- 
dren, nor believe it ourselves, that he who seeks 



The American Heart 105 

his life shall lose it, and he who loses his life 
shall find it. 

We should teach our children, without any 
inconsistent churchly condiments, as we are in 
fact doing, that the main purpose of life is to 
succeed ; that commercial success depends on the 
amount of cash that you get to buttress yourself 
against the vicissitudes of poverty and disease, 
and to insure yourself the luxuries of the world, 
and the service of your less successful brothers. 

If, however, we are going to persist in mouth- 
ing these Christian teachings, and, perhaps, in 
our best moments, resolve that we shall actually 
put them into practice, should we not also take 
inventory ourselves of the status of affairs, and 
find out just exactly what our task is ? We find 
that independence, freedom, and liberty have been 
achieved by other people than the American na- 
tion without a bloody revolution, and without 
cutting the threads that tie the various groups of 
mankind together. We find that although the 
United States won its freedom and liberty, as we 
call it, more or less theoretically, that Australia, 
New Zealand, Canada, and Scotland have equal, 
if not superior individual liberty and freedom, 
and that the unity, or connection, with the 
"mother country, as it is called, has made for 
economy, commercial development, and added 
protection. We find, also, that they have been 
involved in fewer wars, have been subject to less 



106 The American Heart 

bloodshed, and have solved their social industrial 
problem in a less cataclasmic fashion. By co- 
operation, their commerce and merchant marine 
have been safeguarded, nourished, and promoted. 
They have also abolished slavery without blood- 
shed; their citizens can go practically all over the 
world with absolute assurance of protection ; edu- 
cation has been developed more evenly, and, 
largely for that reason, a saner, more regular 
view of life has been developed. 

The first Christians actually turned the other 
cheek. Of course, it is difficult for us to con- 
ceive of the spiritual influence of their sacrifice, 
and we can scarcely imagine the miraculous ef- 
fect that it had in propagating and seeding love, 
charity, and forgiveness as the Gospel; and, 
hence, the endless circle, the endless tick of the 
pendulum that keeps time with the ceaseless flow 
of blood. Just as a Kentucky feud is considered 
primitive and barbarous, international strife 
should not be considered majestic, dignified, and 
patriotic. Relics of barbarism result in polyg- 
amy, infanticide, legalized prostitution, capricious 
divorce, sanguinary and immoral games, inflic- 
tion of torture, wars of rapacity, caste, and 
slavery. 

What are the trials and ills of peace that we 
have to meet? They are hatred, fear, envy, ig- 
norance, disease, poverty, and vice. War has 
never cured, or even alleviated these ills of man- 



The American Heart 107 

kind; on the contrary, the conditions are the 
same. It does, as its defenders maintain, spur 
people on to action and to putting forth their 
entire energy; not for any glorious ideal, but to 
save their lives and to protect themselves from 
the ills that may be worse than even their direct 
imagination can picture. It makes them put 
forth their best spiritual, mental, physical, and 
material forces. Love is turned into hatred, hope 
into despair, faith into cynicism, and perfidy; 
the constructive powers of the mind are turned 
into destructive channels, and the manhood of 
the race is killed by the thousands, and, in mod- 
ern wars, by the million. Children, born and 
unborn, are sacrificed on the altar of hatred in- 
fmitely — more horrible than the blazing Moloch 
of the Charthaginian. Wom^en are ravished, in- 
sulted, mistreated, and scorned. The men, who 
return, are maimed and deformed, and are but 
imperfect relics of the stalwart soldiers who 
marched forth to do battle. Generations of the 
future must bear the grevious burden of debt; 
for every dollar that they produce anywhere 
from five to forty per cent of it must be paid to 
wipe out the debt, and reduce the dreadful b.;nk- 
ruptcy that war entails. 

And in years to come, all this transient train- 
ing of unwilling beings is but a bitter memory, 
and the weary hearts of the surviving but starved 
spirits turn to the growths of peace, with scarcely 



108 The American Heart 

an inkling of the lesson remaining in their minds 
and hearts. With diminished powers, with lost 
brothers untrained, more avaricious because of 
the sacrifice enforced, they turn to the world for 
another carnival of self-indulgence, and of vice 
and of virtue. 

But in the glorious and demure corners of 
peace, calm and wishing souls are always found 
that strive in God's own home to bring forth the 
blooming flowers of the spirit. With bodily 
fatigue, intellectual rust, and spiritual desires 
they cast out seeds which weaken the Garden of 
Life. 

Why, Billy, the war you fear is coming to 
Europe, is bound to send the pangs to the inno- 
cent and peace-loving. We must be drav/n into 
it in a very little while, as we must fight for 
peace, arid strive to establish harmony and under- 
standing all over the world. As one nation we 
can have accord, but where every nation is seek- 
ing controlling power over the commerce of the 
seas, then how can we prevent the underhanded 
methods which one would condescend to use so 
as to gain a point. 

War is a terrible thing, but if it helps the 
economic, commercial and human development of 
the world — it pays to burn, to kill, to slaughter, 
and, from the scenes of evil, thus allow the 
coming generation to benefit and advance. War 
is destructive, yet it leans toward the rapid up- 



The American Heart 109 

building of architecture, literature, art, science, 
invention of all sorts. This country needs an 
awakening of some sort. I feel something is 
going to happen. 

Kitty. 

July 4th, 1914. 

Dear Billy : 

You need not write if you do not care to. 
You might be courteous enough to answer. I 
have been thinking that I might hurry you back 
to America before anything rash happens over 
there. 

Anxiously, 

Kitty. 

July 1st, 1914. 

Dear Kitty : 

Our letters must be crossing in the mails. Can 
not understand your silence. If you knew how 
much I want to hear from you, you would write, 
write, write. 

I love you, 

Billy. 



August, 1914. 
Dear Kitty: 

War is raging in Europe. It seems to me 
it is a great economic outburst. I am a pacifist, 
and I feel that humanity is outraged. 

I have felt, and continually insist, that a new 
reverence is essential to the cause of social re- 
form. As long as men regard one another as 
they do now, that is, as little better than beasts, 
they will continue to treat one another brutally. 
Each strives by craft or skill, to make others 
his tools. There can be no spirit of brotherhood, 
no true peace until men come to understand their 
relation with God, and the infinite purpose for 
which He gave them life. As yet these ideas are 
treated as a kind of spiritual romance ; and, the 
teacher who really expects men to see themselves 
and one another the children of God, is smiled at 
as visionary. 

The reception of this plainest truth of Chris- 
tianity would revolutionize society, and create re- 
lations among men not dreamed of at the pres- 
ent day. A union would spring up, compared 
with which our present fellowships would seem 

110 



The American Heart ill 

estrangements. Men would import the word 
brother, as yet but a word to the multitudes. 
None of us can conceive the change of manners, 
the new courtesy and sweetness, the mutual 
kindness, deference, and sympathy, the life and 
energy of efforts for social amelioration, which 
would spring up in proportion as man shall pene- 
trate beneath the body to the spirit, and shall 
learn what the lowest human being is. 

Then insults, wrongs and oppressions, now 
scarcely noticed, will give a deeper shock than we 
receive from the crimes which the laws punish 
with death. Then man will be sacred in man's 
sight ; and to injure him would be regarded as 
open hostility towards God. It has been under a 
deep feeling of the intimate connection of bet- 
ter and more just views of human nature with all 
social and religious progress that I hope for this 
fellowship of a new and real civilization. 

William Ellery Channing said: "Mighty pow- 
ers are at work in the world. Who can stay 
them? God's word has gone forth and it can- 
not return to Him void. A new comprehension 
of the Christian spirit, a new reverence for hu- 
manity, a new feeling of brotherhood, and of all 
men's relations to the common Father; this is 
among the signs of our times. We see it ; do we 
not feel it? Before this all oppressions are to 
fall. Society, silently pervaded by this, is to 
change its aspect of universal warfare for that 



112 The American Heart 

of peace. The power of selfishness, all-grasping 
and seemingly invincible, is to yield to this divine 
energy. The song of the angels, 'On earth, 
peace,* will not always sound as fiction. 

Through the passion of war, government or- 
dained by God to defend the weak against the 
strong, to exalt right above might, has up to this 
time been the great wrong doer. Its murders re- 
duce to insignificance those of the bandits, pi- 
rates, highwaymen, assassins, against whom it 
undertakes to protect society. How harmless 
are all the criminals in the world compared with 
the military power here in Europe ! 

One of the tremendous evils of the world is 
the monstrous accumulation of power in a few 
hands. Half a dozen men at this moment light 
the fires of war throughout the world, convulse 
all supposed civilized nations, sweep earth and 
sea with armed hosts, spread desolation through 
the fields and bankruptcy through the cities. The 
less power given to man over man, the better. 
I speak of political and physical force. There is 
a power which cannot be accumulated to excess, 
that is moral power, that of truth and virtue, the 
royalty of wisdom and love, of magnanimity and 
true religion. It is mightiest when most gentle. 

Great nations, like great men, place their honor 
in resisting insult and in fighting well. One 
would think that the time had gone by in which 
nations needed to rush to arms to prove that 



The American Heart ii3 

they were not co.vards. Is it not time that the 
point of honor should undergo some change, so 
that bloodshed should not be the proof of valor? 
Must fresh blood flow forever, to keep clean the 
escutcheon of a nation's glory? 

Hell is in our hearts if we can see the other 
nation only as a vague mass. Is it not thus? 
Our nation, other nations, should spread out be- 
fore us into individuals, into a thousand different 
forms and relations. Tliey consist of mothers, 
fathers, husbands, v;ives, brothers, sisters, sons 
and daughters. They consist of religious people 
united to the common Savior. They consist of 
the vast multitudes of laborers wliose toil for a 
livelihood is the same in every part of the world. 
They consist of science and genius. 

Why don't we stop to consider that when we 
fight with other countries we are sending mourn- 
ing to the very peaceful homes that we so cher- 
ish? Why don't we realize that a war with 
other people is a sword thrust tlxrough the hearts 
of human beings? The sufferings and death of 
a single fellow being often excites a tender and 
active compassion ; but we hear without emotion, 
of thousands enduring every variety of woe in 
war. A single murder in peace thrills through 
our frames, but the countless murders of war are 
heard of and forgotten. The execution of one 
criminal depresses us, and philanthropy is labor- 
ing to substitute milder punishments for death, 



114 The American Heart 

but the execution of ten thousand soldiers only 
fans a patriotic elation. 

Look at the extensive region, desolated and 
overspread with ruin ; its forests rent as if blasted 
by lightning; its villages prostrated as by an 
earthquake ; its fields bared as if swept by 
storm. Not long ago the sun shone on no hap- 
pier spot. But raging armies prowl over it; war 
frowns on it ; its f ruitfulness. and happiness have 
fled. Here thousands and tens of thousands 
were gathered from distant provinces, not to 
embrace as brethren, but to renounce the tie of 
brotherhood, and many thousands in the vigor 
of life, when least prepared for death, were 
hewn down and scattered like chaff before the 
whirlwind. 

Here are the heaps of slain, weltering in their 
own blood, their bodies mangled, their limbs 
shattered, some with almost every vestige of 
human form and countenance destroyed. Here 
are multitudes trodden under foot and the war 
horse has left the trace of his hoof on many a 
crushed and mutilated frame. Here the severe 
suffer; they live, but live without hope or con- 
solation; but victims of war, falling by casual, 
undirected blows, often expiring in lingering 
agony, their deep groans moving no compas- 
sion, their limbs writhing on the earth with pain, 
their lips parched with a burning thirst, their 
wounds open to the chilling air, the memory 



The American Heart 115 

of home rushing to their minds, but not a voice 
of friendship or comfort reaching their ears. 
Amidst this scene of horrors, you see the bird 
and beast of prey gorging themselves with the 
dead and dying, and human phmderers rifHng 
the warm and almost palpitating remains of the 
slain. If you extend your eye beyond the im- 
mediate field of battle and follow the track of 
the victorious and pursuing army, you see the 
roads strewn with the dead ; you see scattered 
flocks and harvests trampled under foot, the 
smoking ruins of cottages, and the miserable in- 
habitants fleeing in want and despair. And even 
yet the horrors of a single battle are not ex- 
hausted. Some of the deepest pang-^ which it 
inflicts are silent, retired, enduring, to be read 
in the widow's countenance, in the unprotected 
orphan, in the aged parent, in the affectionate, 
cherishing the memory of the slain, weeping be- 
cause it could not minister to the last pangs. 

There is still another scene presented in war, 
the besieged city. Day and night the women, 
children, the old and infirm tremble and faint 
at the sight of the weapons of death and con- 
flagration. They are worn with famine and pes- 
tilence. At length the assault is made, every 
barrier is broken down and a lawless soldiery, 
exasperated by resistance, burning with lust and 
cruelty, are scattered through the streets. The 
domestic retreat is violated ; even the house of 



116 The American Heart 

God is no longer a sanctuary. Venerable age is 
no protection, female purity no defense. Is 
woman spared amidst the slaughter of father, 
brother, husband, and son? She is spared for 
a fate which makes death, in comparison, a mer- 
ciful doom. With such heart-rending scenes, 
history abounds and repeats itself. What better 
fruits can you expect from war? 

The Great Voice that declares Truth through 
all time is composed of two voices : the woman's 
voice and the man's voice. Man has the strong, 
resounding key; woman gives but the tender, 
minor key — harmony. And if this voice ceased, 
the Great Voice would continue with the hard- 
ness of strength only. 

Is war the harmony in breaking up the monot- 
onous peace? With woman, the power of love 
is predominant and this determines woman*s 
special mission; its aim is to put truth into the 
heart and unite it with love. Love is not taught, 
it is inspired. Occasionally there are women 
who manifest the masculine spirit, for example, 
Semiramis had the male spirit and she did male 
deeds so great that she stands by the side of 
Caesar and Alexander. Joan of Arc had a 
womanly spirit, but she accomplished manly 
deeds ; saving a throne, leading an army to vic- 
tory against an enemy, and saving a kingdom 
from subjection. Such women are exceptional. 
Most women are clinging vines, preferring to 



The American Heart 117 

flirt with love, rather than with bullets. Nurses 
heal and patch up the misery, wretched and dis- 
trusted. Men destruct; women construct. 

There is so much misery here that I would 
not want America to take any other stand but 
that of neutrality. Yet when Germany contin- 
ually commits acts of barbarism, I can't see how 
you hold out as long as you do. If I could but 
get out, I would. 

If we want to do something worthy of civi- 
lization we must stop the unreasonable war in 
Europe. It started without cause and must end 
for every reason. 

Affectionately, 

William. 

Seotember, 1914. 
Dear William: 

I know you are a pacifist, that you are al- 
lowing your reason and judgmxent to be guided 
by the end instead of the means. If conditions 
were as they should be, we would never need to 
fight, since we always gain in peace. 

Had the colonists fought the Indians for Man- 
hattan Island would they have had any more 
of the Island, would they have gained any more 
than they did by trading? These pioneers cer- 
tainly acted justly and wisely. They purchased 
the island for twenty-four dollars worth of 



118 The American Heart 

trinkets. Surely that was cheaper than ammuni- 
tion and lives. 

Day by day, year by year, this peace sympathy 
grows. Our business, using the word broadly, 
is no longer the business of our little neighbor- 
hood, our city, our state, our nation; it is the 
business of the whole world. We cannot calmly 
regard injustice to other peoples. We cannot, 
without injuring our national conscience com- 
mit an injustice upon another nation. 

Treaties with the Indians once kept the white 
people and the red men friendly. The Indians' 
pipe of peace was a symbol of good feeling 
toward the stranger. William Penn's treaty with 
the Indians was a safe and sane act. There is 
no expense in making a treaty. Penn realized 
that paper, ink and time were less to give than 
lives and treasure. 

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the 
Napoleonic wars were waging in Europe. Our 
country \A'as drawn into the struggle and fought 
the War of 1812. At the end of the war, when 
the supposed civilized world lay breathless and 
ashamed of its quarter of a century of fighting, 
the first Peace Society was organized in New 
York City. Other peace societies were also 
slowly formed as Napoleon ended his destructive 
career. 

London had her first Peace Society estab- 
lished in 1843 which was soon 'followed by 



The American Heart 119 

Brussels^ in 1848, Frankfort 1850, London in 
3 851 founded another society. Peace societies 
became rapidly popular as people were awakened 
to the situation. 

These peace societies, combined with the ap- 
proval of the public, made way for the Hague 
Conferences. The immediate cause of holding 
the first Hague Conference, was the action of 
Nicholas II, czar of Russia. It seemed very re- 
markable to the rest of the world and even to 
many Russians themselves, that such an impulse 
towards international peace should come from 
the world's largest military strength unrestricted 
by constitutional and parliamentary checks. Yet 
there is reason to believe that the present czar 
is sincere in his desire to promote world peace 
and to diminish the burden of taxation for the 
military and naval expenditures which press 
down with increasing weight upon the shoulders 
of all the people of Europe. 

In 1899, at the Hague, Netherlands, the first 
peace conference was held. The queen gave the 
residence of the royal family for the delegates 
from the various countries. The private con- 
ference without stenographic reports was done 
away with at the second conference in 1907, as 
the world was so interested and wished to be in- 
formed as to the decisions of the court. Al- 
though the conferences were not thoroughly or- 



120 The American Heart 

ganized, thirty-four nations pledged themselves 
to the establishment of the court. 

For the first three years of its existence, no 
cause was heird before the Permanent Court of 
Arbitration at the Hague. Then a dispute be- 
tween the United States and Mexico gave the 
court its first work. Up to the present time 
nine cases involving money questions, territorial 
questions, questions of interpretation of treaties 
and of "honor" have been heard and determined. 
Nicholas Murray Butler once said: "It begins 
to look as if the stone of Sisyphus that has so 
often been rolled with toil and tribulation almost 
to the top of the hill, only to break loose and 
roll again to the bottom, is now in a fair way to 
be carried quite to the summit." 

The United States took an active part in bring- 
ing about the first Hague Conference held in 
1899, and delegates from the United States took 
advanced ground for a permanent international 
court of arbitration. 

The second Hague Peace Conference, was held 
in 1907, and again the representatives from the 
United States took the lead, especially in origin- 
ating propositions far in advance of the more 
conservative nations. 

The third international peace conference was 
to have been held at the Plague in 1916, and the 
United States undoubtedly would have again 
t'-iken an important part. The third conference. 



The American Heart 121 

whenever it will be held will be a milestone in 
history because the American representative will 
advocate a definite plan partially proposed by 
President Wilson. The American Peace and 
Arbitration League of New York City, was the 
first to endorse the plan, advocating the crea- 
tion of an International Court of Arbitration. 

We are advancing gradually towards interna- 
tional peace, but cannot reach our goal until all 
the nations of the earth shall become the United 
States of the World. Every nation is now inde- 
pendent, but when they act as a unit, we may see 
our dreams on international peace materialize. 
Of course international peace would make each 
nation dependent upon the others. This form 
of co-operation will no doubt meet with opposi- 
tion of certain rulers and countries. There is 
always liope as long as we remember that even 
the savage Indians preferred to arbitrate with 
William Penn, than war with him. A brief ex- 
amination of the first and second Hague Con- 
ferences shows that the conference is a legisla- 
tive and judicial body without executive power. 
The execution of its decrees rests Vv^ith the na- 
tions which submit their disputes. Although a 
number of decisions have been rendered, still the 
submission of disputes of the court by all nations 
is far from being universal. Usually the cases 
have been those which have been impossible to 
settle by diplomatic means and the nations con- 



122 



The American Heart 



cerned have agreed to accept the findmgs of the 
court and the appeal to the tribunal is purely 
voluntary. Yet in spite of its limitation, the 
Hague court is a wonderful and far-reaching 
step toward a United States of the World, with 
its Supreme Court of Civilization. 

Every peace advocate is asking himself, or 
herself, how are we to have international peace 
since people of different countries are so dif- 
ferent in habits, customs, beliefs, languages, and 
even wants and needs? Just as you say that 
people must fight for peace. Just as we tear 
down many houses to erect one high building, so 
must we force the nations to do their share of 
duty to the world. Wipe out the nations that are 
hinderances and obstacles to the peace movement. 
Peace should be regarded as a duty — a sacred 
duty and should make the nations feel disgraced 
to be ostracized from the coming federation of 
the world. Even today some of the small coun- 
tries are hesitating in consenting to join prog- 
ress. They are not enlightened as yet, and it is 
up to the large countries to discipline and direct 
them. 

A universal language would be the greatest 
step today toward the object of universal peace. 
But each nation would wish its own language 
used. The vote at a peace conference would cer- 
tainly be a failure, as the English people would 
choose the English language, the German people 



The American Heart 123 

would choose the German language and so with 
every nation. Every country beheves her own 
language the best. Therefore each would want 
her own language as the adopted universal 
tongue. 

We must, therefore, choo.^e the next best step. 
War is sometimes due to the misunderstanding 
of language. It would be a good step for all 
people in all countries to learn the most spoken 
tongues of the world, which are no doubt, Eng- 
lish, French, German and Spanish, so as to pre- 
vent misunderstandings. The idea of a universal 
language is a good one, but let me ask the Ger- 
mans, the French, the Spanish and Japanese, the 
Turks and every person, no matter what nation- 
ality, to give up their mother tongue and learn a 
new one. Would they abide by the law of the in- 
ternational court ? Never ! No nation could 
overcome her prejudice and self-esteem and agree 
that some other nation's language should be sub- 
stituted for her own. It is contrary to the first 
law of human life — self preservation. 

To help towards the universal peace each 
nation should teach her children love for foreign 
children. We might realize our theories of peace 
if our children would learn to respect their little 
brothers and sisters in distant countries. Look- 
ing through a magazine some time ago, I noted 
a picture of a Japanese class of children being 
taught patriotism for their country. Each child 



124 The American Heart 

had a Japanese flag which be had been taught 
to love. These children were being taught the 
one-sided patriotism. They should learn to re- 
gard their own country as one state of the United 
States of the World and thus form a future 
peace-loving generation. Our New York chil- 
dren are taught to love their state but at the 
same time they love the United States. So should 
they be taught to love all other countries they 
would never entertain evil thoughts about other 
nations — and we know that the war is the re- 
sult of evil thoughts. 

x\s the Peace Movement progresses, nations 
appear uncertain about the questioii of disband- 
ing the army and navy. For people are discov- 
ering that there is something more than battal- 
ions and bayonets, something wiser than Senates, 
something greater than royalty, something 
sweeter than liberty. The name is sounding 
through the gospels of Peace and War, and over 
all continents; it is Justice and Righteousness. 
Justice is the victorious cry of all hearts — 
Righteousness is the animating shout of the ages. 

Elbert Hubbard wrote to me once that : 

"Courts are created on the grounds of public 
good. Their purpose is to do justice between 
man and man so that peace and good order may 
prevail. The duty of the courts is public." 

Truth is on the scaffold. Wrong is on the 
throne. 



The American Heart 125 

Certainly as a deniocratic people we have 
slipped a cog somewhere. Our government takes 
account of property, but it does not take ac- 
count of human rights and human life. The 
happiness of the individual is something which 
the state does not officially recognize. The 
State can do no vvrong, except when it comes 
to property. 

In Switzerland and New Zealand, the in- 
dividual has a claim for money damages for 
illegal arrest and punishment, and in case of 
hanging the v/rong man, the heirs can make a 
claim. 

Should the State be held responsible for its 
mistakes, and it is possible for the State to be 
guilty of a crime against the individual? 

The law says "No" but in the human heart 
there is something which says "Yes." 

We are beginning to realize that the same 
weapons which hurt one country hurts them all. 
The poison that kills one kind of people will kill 
them all. What educates one will educate them 
all. Life is given and taken in one country, as 
in every other — the Hand of Destiny that rules 
one country, guides them all. As soon as the 
nations are led by the same impulse, it will be 
safe to disband standing armies and navies. As 
conditions are today disarmament might en- 
courage underhanded, seeming friends to take 
advantage of our situation. Peace should not 



126 The American Heart 

be one-sided. Shall we abolish our own army 
and navy? We cannot until other nations are 
willing to do likev/ise. We cannot build a navy 
overnight nor raise an army in a week. And 
defense which is carried on without discipline or 
system is bound to be unsuccessful. 

I state emphatically that we should not abolish 
our army or navy. Although we may abhor 
v/ar, still one of the best ways to keep out of war 
is to be strong enough to resist attack. Some of 
the most peaceful men are those who are well 
equipped with fighting muscles. James E. Mc- 
Creery, one of the strongest peace advocates, 
says: 

"Disarmament or decrease of armament will 
come when the great nations agree upon a sys- 
tem of concurrent action, and as the area of in- 
ternational arbitration is extended, there will be 
increased peace and security, which will be sure 
to warrant the decrease of armaments." 

William H. Taft says: 

"Some gentlemen who in order to be unlike 
others, favor was as a necessary treatment of a 
nation in order to develop its finest qualities, but 
I am not disposed to say that as we look back in 
history some of the most dreadful wars, notably 
that of our Civil War, could hardly have been 
avoided if we were to accomplish the good which 
that war did accomplish. But as a general thing, 
we are all opposed to war. A nation does not 



The American Heart 127 

enter war lightly, for two reasons. First because 
the expense is so great that it is likely to lead 
to bankruptcy even if she wins, and second, if 
she does not win, the government or dynasty or 
whatever it may be that is in control of the gov- 
ernment, is likely to undergo the humiliation of 
that defeat at the hands of her own people. These 
two things are working in a healthful way toward 
ultimate peace." 

George Washington's words still hold good: 
"To be prepared for war is one of the most ef- 
fectual means of preserving peace." 

We may believe in the peace movem.ent but a 
neighboring barbaric nation may not. We must 
not be weak and unprotected while such nations 
are unrestrained any more than a householder 
would do without locks while criminals are still 
in existence. It is all very well to *'love your 
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to 
those that hurt you and pray for them that 
despitefully use and persecute you." There is 
nothing in the words to prevent you from de- 
priving your enemies of any opportunity of 
despitefully using you. 

Where you cannot use reason and judgment, 
you will have to use force. Where enlightened 
nations misunderstand each other they will sub- 
mit their differences to a neutral body like the 
Hague Court. But until all nations will do that 
we must be ready to protect ourselves. I em- 



128 The American Heart 

phatically affirm that it is better to have an army 
and navy and not need them, than to need them 
and not have them. 

What does peace do? 

The marvelous growth of commerce is made 
possible by steam navigation, the electric tele- 
graph, wireless and cable. The increase of travel 
and emigration from one comitry to another ; the 
steady growth of educa.tion ; ''the steady decline 
of inhumanity in man," as Robert Burns called 
it, and the steady improvement of government 
are the results of peace. 

Doubtless the stupendous products of man's 
thought and will — the steamers that plough all 
waters and connect all lands ; the railways that 
bring all places together ; the lightning- wires that 
enable men to wisper to each other across con- 
tinents and oceans ; the floating fortresses of 
iron equipped with tremendous arms, and a thou- 
sand other new engines and machines which the 
will of men has set going in factories and fields — 
doubtless all these considered merely as physical 
effects have in turn an important influence on 
man himself — on his individual and social life, 
on industry and commerce, on the peaceful in- 
tercourse of nations and on the art and conduct 

of wars (those bloody conflicts which at bot- 
tom so often represent only the struggle of op- 
posing ideas). Thus these physical products of 



The American Heart 129 

man's will effect the direction and character of 
human progress. 

The Singer and Woolworth buildings, Astor 
and Carnegie libraries, museums of art and 
natural history, art galleries and all kinds of 
magnificent structures are erected when the mind 
is calm and the surroundings peaceful. 

This is the age of swift progress, of culture, 
of education, of genius. Still we realize that a 
great part of money wasted is on unnecessary 
things. We feel that the public money should be 
used for the people and not to help exterminate 
people. The condition of the poor could be made 
better if the expenditures of war preparation 
would be diverted to philanthropy. Life is not 
cheap when you consider the sacrifice in bring- 
ing it into the world. Government is made for 
the people, then why not spend the nation's 
money in beautifying the cities, bettering the con- 
ditions of the poor and uplifting the country? 
Why spend enormous amounts of money on 
ammunition and warships? W^e should have 
sufficient defense but never enough for con- 
quest. 

The establishment of the Carnegie Endow- 
ment for International Peace makes an epoch, in 
that it furnished the organization and the means 
for a sustained and systematic effort to reach 
and to convince the public opinion of the world 
by scientific thought, argument and exposition. 



130 The American Heart 

It has been determined by the trustees of the 
Carnegie endowment to organize the undertak- 
ing committed to their charge as a great institu- 
tion for research and public education and to 
carry on its work in three divisions — a division 
of International Law, a division of Economics, 
and a history division of Intercourse and Edu- 
cation. 

The desire for knowledge and education made 
our country what it is today. It was men who 
longed and worked for peace that made this 
nation, and not those semi-brutal men whose 
constant cry in substance was that economic 
reasons warranted one people to fight another, 
so that room might be given to the coming gen- 
eration. This world is large and has plenty of 
unexplored land which people might inhabit, 
when conditions force them to. 

People today are becoming individual powers, 
especially the American people. Not only mor- 
ally are they powers in the preservation of the 
cleanliness of human life; not only spiritually in 
the sway of their influence over the minds of 
other nations, but as social and economic pow- 
ers, commercial and political powers; powers 
that are gaining strength day by day; powers 
that are bound to live, to keep and to preserve 
our country on the superior plane of nations in 
every line of endeavor and in every walk of life. 

"Prepare" is not a new word, although in 



The American Heart 131 

these times of carnage it strikes us from every 
quarter and seems to take on a new meaning — 
that of war. But it is an old, old word — and 
such a peaceful word ! 

To multitudes it sums up our entire human 
existence. To millions of people this life is 
nothing but a place of preparation for the real 
life to come. To the great majority, the larger 
portion of their life is devoted to preparation for 
the crowning few years in v/hich they will have 
the reward for their toil. 

To true nusbands and wives, "prepare" means 
making ready the home for the invaluable and 
ineffable treasure that God is about to entrust to 
them. It then means years of training to pre- 
pare these little lives for the service and toil of 
the years to come. To these little lives them- 
selves it means study, struggle, disappointment 
and aspiration in order to reach the goals and 
heights that have been held out before them. 

Prepare ! It should be a clarion call. Not 
only to the muscles but to the mind and the 
spirit. It might well be a motto to the individual, 
the family, the town, state, nation, even the great 
human race. Prepare for the generations to 
come ! 

But to what sad uses has the word been put, 
for now when it is heard on almost every lip 
it means : Get ready for the grim, sordid and 
cruel business of death ! To many it only means 



132 The American Heart 

to gird up the loins and go forth to slay those 
whom God has commanded us to love as we love 
ourselves. It means to take the money that w^e- 
need so sorely for the education and alleviation 
of our people ; for churches, for charity, for art, 
for spreading the Gospel of love : it means 
taking these moneys and using them for making 
implements of death and destruction. 

Instead of preparing our bodies for the uses 
of peace and industry and of service, it means 
training our eyes to aim surely, our muscles to 
strike accurately and strive strongly ; all that 
me may crush and overcome those whom we 
should aid and assist. It means to take our minds 
from the paths of peace, from the v/orks of 
service, from the combat against pain and dis- 
ease and too early death, from the inventions that 
produce and build up and lengthen beautiful 
life — and to turn these noble powers into labora- 
tories that will breed pain and increase death. 
It means to turn the soul from prayer and exer- 
cise, from faith, hope and love into the channels 
of pessimism, despair, fear and hatred. 

Two thousand years ago a gentle and peaceful 
spirit visited this earth. lie came of humble 
parentage, of an obscure and subject province 
of the great Roman Empire — so primitive was 
the little hamlet that it is recorded that they 
asked, "if any good thing could come out of 
Nazareth." For three short years, he went 



The American Heart 133 

about in that subjugated province of the Roman 
Empire, preaching the gospel of life and service, 
and of sacrifice and the establishment of a king:- 
dom of righteousness by the powers of the mind 
and spirit. He was eminently peaceful and 
preached the new doctrine of non-resistance. He 
himself never put pen to paper, yet the words of 
no one who has ever appeared upon this earth 
have been treasured, so widely, so universally and 
so continuously as his. In only one single in- 
stance did He give vent to anger and added to 
the flame of indignation in his eyes and He drove 
from the Temple the multitude of money chang- 
ers. This was no example of force, save thj 
force of righteousness outraged. Could any one 
with a small cord drive from the national capital 
the powers of wealth, of greed and of avarice? 
Not unless they had the personality and the 
righteous indignation that conquers the spirit and 
mind in spite of themselves. In every other in- 
stance of His life, Christ gave the example of 
turning the other cheek, as he expressly told aU 
his followers to do. He showed by His life 
that He loved His enemies, prayed for those that 
hated him and He has been accepted by a large 
part of the world as the Savior of the human 
race. And as in truth the Son of God today, He 
is worshipped as the Man of Peace in thousands 
and thousands of churches and in many lands. 
Yet we hear throughout our land that maintains 



134 



The American Heart 



that it is a Christian land, the ringing words, 
"prepare for war !" 

Is it not time for the inhabitants of Chris- 
tian lands to stop in their mad career of carnage 
and death, of pain and want and woe that they 
have brought upon themselves and ask "Whither 
are we going?" What are we trying to accom- 
plish and how long are we going to say one thing 
and do another ? Is it not time for the Christian 
world to declare whether we really are brothers 
and whether all our fellow, men are brothers? 
Do we really believe in Christ's words? Do we 
believe in the Ten Commandments? One of 
them stands out pre-eminently, the commandant 
which Christ himself reiterated: "Thou shalt 
not kill." Can Christians still subscribe to these 
words and not bend every effort for peace? 
"God maketh the rain fall on the just and the 
unjust the sun to shine." And just as in the 
medical so it is in the spiritual world, while there 
is life there is hope, and how often have we seen 
the stone that was rejected become the head of 
the corner? Is it not time for the world to ask 
what is righteousness? W^hat is justice? What 
is reason? What is love? How can we get the 
most out of life? Life to the individual seems 
to be everything. It is more than the world. 
Life is almost like God, in whom Paul said "we 
live and have our being in that it contains every- 
thing else." To give it is the greatest thing 



The American Heart 135 

in the world and to take it is the greatest crime. 
These things are said to be dreams ; we are told 
that we are indulging in illusions ; that we are 
sentimental ; that we are beautiful in theory but 
woefully impractical. Is it not time for us to 
ask if this can be? ?\Iankind has wandered long 
enough in the morass of falsehood and of error. 

Can anything be beautiful and true in theory 
and yet be wrong in practice ? Theory is but the 
spiritual and intellectual expression of a physical 
rule. If our theory proves true and yet our prac- 
tice falls short, have we not practiced incor- 
rectly? Have we not missed something in our 
aim? It is false, not to say hypocritical for us 
to cherish theories, sentiments, or illusions when 
v/e cannot live by them. Either we ought to 
come out frankly and say, "the Christian doctrine 
forbidding murder, forgiving one's enemies and 
doing good unto them, is wrong," or else we 
ought to attempt at least lo practice the easiest 
and perhaps the most important part of that 
teaching. Namely, we ought to obey at the 
behest, "Thou shalt not kill." 

It tends to bring about a lack of intellectual 
and moral stability to teacl; generations of chil- 
dren the golden rule and at the same time teach 
them patriotism. For patriotism is one of the 
greatest and first virtues, which implies that a 
man shall be ready to go out and commit for the 
state that which it holds to be the greatest crime 



136 The American Heart 

of all. Thus has patriotism, the first and great- 
est virtue toward the state, been made the vehicle 
for crime. 

To accomplish international peace : 

I We must learn to understand other nations 
by acquiring the knowledge of their tongues and 
customs. 

II Teach patriotism and love between na- 
tions, to children. 

III Cultivate friendship with foreign people 
so as to make war an obstacle. 

IV Appreciate the advanced, most enlight- 
ened nations of our existence. 

V Think of God, who loves all people re- 
gardless of race, color, creed or sex, and sink 
the Commandments deep into the heart so that 
the word "war" should bring evil visions of the 
past. 

We will never have a real civilization until 
international peace is established — a United 
States of the World — and until man has reached 
the highest development. 

We want men and women to be companions, 
colleagues, and to go through life shoulder to 
shoulder, hand in hand, heart to heart, in peace 
and undisturbed. We do not want war to take 
our best without a word. We do not want to 
leave degenerates, paupers, drunkards underfed 
and feeble minded — who are not fit to be parents 
— and have them breed and multiply. That is 



The American Heart 137 

why we want arbitration. Put out the flames, 
because it is the women who suffer when their 
children are killed on the battlefield, or the gal- 
lows, or become degenerates, or go into asylums, 
or are taken to the electric chair, or sent to 
prison. Oh ! It is the mother that I am feeling 
for. After all, it is she and the home that suffer 
the most ; these are wrecked by war. 

Let us work together, no matter what race, 
color, creed or sex, because it is the mission of 
the ideal man and woman to make the whole 
world a home and begin a real civilization and 
end war." 

If you feel that you are in a country whose 
principles are against your convictions, why don't 
you come back? 

Sincerely, 

Kitty. 

November, 1914. 

Dearest Little Girl: 

How sad I am tonight, when I think back and 
realize how happy I was in Massachusetts and 
in New York. Why did I choose this slaughter 
land for my finishing education? Why did I 
leave the land of the free and the home of the 
oppressed? Why did not Fate lead me to a 
place where I would not be made a man without 
a country? Such is my sorrow! 



138 The American Heart 

Germany, cold-bloodedly and absolutely inten- 
tionally, is at war. The country has been prepar- 
ing and is prepared for a number of years' con- 
quest. When the heir to the Austrian throne was 
murdered in the capital of Bosnia by an Aus- 
trian subject of Serb race, it seemed that the 
country became enraged and the spark of fire 
developed to so great a degree that everything 
began to burn. The family countries began the 
fight. All the young men were immediately 
taken in arms and here am I, an American citi- 
zen, forced to fight for a land that I despise, I 
detest, I hate. 

How disappointing the German people are ! 
I did love them, but they are such a lot of under- 
handed sneaks that they are really repulsive to 
me. 

I can foresee that the one-man-power of the 
world will take in the whole world in this awful 
conflict. Oh, Kitty ! I can see dear, beloved 
America — I don't want to think of it — you — you 
— are my very soul, in all. I want to defend you 
from those merciless, outrageous, villainous 
scoundrels. Whether you care or do not, I 
feel that you are suppressing that divine, spirit- 
ual interest which God has never intended to be 
neglected. I want to see you safe. If you only 
knew how I was thrust out of my college course, 
and hurled into an army of men to fight for the 



The American Heart 139 

wrong, my blood boiled at the very suggestion of 
slaughtering the innocent women and children. 

Europe is cursed. I was more convinced of 
that than of anything else in life, that raid will 
extend farther than Belgium. The poor, inno- 
cent mothers, the daughters, the wives, helpless 
babies, even the innocent men were criminally 
invaded and tortured. Oh, Kitty, in your 
thoughts only, did I find consolation for my tired 
eyes, aching heart and we'ary soul! In the 
imagination of your outstretched hand extended 
to me, I can hear you say, "Think pleasant 
thoughts and be a cheerful pessimist." 

Thanks, dear, I feel contented. Poor, worn- 
out Belgium! Think what war would mean if 
Belgium would have accepted compensation 
through allowing the German force to pass ! 

King Albert refused flatly the suggestion of- 
fered by Germany and with all his might and 
strength repulsed Germany's army from passing 
through, but in vain. 

Germany must lose. It must be crushed to 
the very foundation of a new beginning. The 
least victory would reflect cruelty, despotism and 
intolerance. Her victory would pass her through 
Belgium, through France, through England, into 
the States ! Never, never must she win, not 
even the least victory. We must have no murder 
and as soon as the first opportunity presents it- 
self, this German outfit upon me will be ground 



140 The American Heart 

to the earth, and although the ambassador in- 
formed me of my terrible predicament, I feel my 
heart is with America. I cannot write when 
I choose as I am in a damnified service. My 
parents, who kept me in ignorance as to my birth 
and citizenship are guilty of treason. Why did 
they not inform me that they were citizens of 
Germany and that I was born in this wretched 
country ? 

You surely are remarking that my heart was 
with Germany and that I loved everytliing Ger- 
manic! The psychology of the human mind ex- 
plains that attitude. When I learned that I was 
never naturalized and that my parents deceived 
me as to my birth, I should have felt like the 
man from nowhere and the man without a coun- 
try. Such are the mistakes of parents. 

Tomorrow I shall be placed on the Holland 
frontier and my move from that section will de- 
cide my fate. If I am successful, thank God ! 
If otherwise, dear Kitty, know and feel safe that 
my spirit will prove my devotion in remaining 
with you during the great crisis and keep you 
from harm. If you do not hear from me again, 
realize I am in a critical and dangerous condition. 

I love you only and only you, Kitty, my in- 
spiration, and even if you can't reciprocate, just 
feel interested in me. 

Devotedly, 

Bill. 



November, 1916. 

Our American people are beginning to feel 
restless. To fight or not to fight is the question. 
Our boys are beginning to flock to the Canadian 
shores to see action, to crush the serpent that is 
threatening democracy ; to prove that no neu- 
trality can exist in the hearts of intelligently 
thinking people. Peace propaganda, preparedness 
c-^mpa.'gns, parades expressing the pro and con 
of the existing conditions stimulating excitement 
and just making the people think. Awake ! 
Fi^ht ! Slee.3 ! Don't f ig^ht ! Now or later, Ger- 
many is going to fight the United States ! We 
have seen German officials in our own land con- 
victed for organizing armed forces against Great 
Britain and Canada ; we have seen them organize 
strikes to interfere with our business ; we have 
seen them using money in enormous quantities 
to establish and subsidize publications, and to 
nurture an anti-American spirit in the United 
States and in Mexico ; we have seen them delib- 
erately undertake to foster loyalty of German- 
born citizens in the United States to Germany, 
and all over the United States to establish socie- 

141 



142 The American Heart 

ties to maintain the German language and tradi- 
tions; we have heard German- Americans who 
have refused to become Germans in this sense, 
but have remained loyal to their true citizenship, 
called outlaws and ingrates ; we have seen the 
effort made, through the visit of Prince Henry 
and all sorts of flattery, to make us feel that the 
German nation was superior to the American 
nation. We have seen this anti-American prop- 
aganda pushed by representatives of the Ger- 
man government and we have actually seen* a 
law passed by the German Reichstag v;hich 
makes possible two things : first, that a man of 
German birth can be naturalized without living 
in Germany and, second, that a German who 
takes the oath of allegiance to another nation 
may retain his citizenship in Germany. 

We have seen our conception of national 
power assailed in more than general ways. It 
was the German ambassador who sent forth the 
notice that our citizens should not sail on the 
Lusitania, except at their own peril ; it was the 
Germans, if not the German government, who 
issued a medal celebrating the sinking of the 
Lusitania — a medal fit to be preserved in hell 
with the medal celebrating the massacre of Saint 
Bartholomew; we have seen mines and sub- 
marines sent to sea so that no nation can send 
a vessel to Europe without the danger of having 
it blown up. It is true that Germany said that 



The American Heart 143 

she would leave a little crack through which 
American ships might go once a week, if they 
sent notice beforehand and became subject to 
German regulations. We have seen our ships 
sunk and our citizens drowned. We have seen 
promises broken, and our nation threatened with 
foreign war, stirred up by German officials and 
official letters. 

It is the flouting of our sovereignty as a na- 
tion which has brought war upon us. For over 
two years we turned our cheek, and then an- 
other cheek, writing a note each time, until 
after three last assaults we came to realize that 
war had indeed been waged against us, despite 
our over-sensitive neutrality. We did not enter 
into the war. War was thrust upon us in bloody 
and arrogant denial cf our right as a nation of 
citizens to govern our own affairs. 

Yet, there are some people who are still argu- 
ing whether we ought to go to war! There is 
something worse than war : the destruction of 
those institutions and that nationality which em- 
body our conception of a state that is composed 
of free, self-governing citizens. When a man 
questions whether we ought to protect democracy 
by war, I reply that whoever cannot see a duty 
to protect ourselves from this assault upon our 
national life, and our effort to maintain a nation 
with sovereignty expressing the ideals of democ- 
racy and based upon universal citizenship, is 



144 The American Heart 

either a myopic idealist, plain stupid, or pro- 
German. 

Dear France! Helpless Belgium! Germany 
had no special enmity against these nations. Our 
position ! Oh, God forbid Germany from crush- 
ing democracy ! 

January, 1917. 
Dear Billy : 

The letters I have written to you were re- 
turned to me. What has happened? This let- 
ter must reach you. It must. You must know. 
With anxiety, the whole country is aw^aiting the 
verdict of Congress as to our entry into war. 
Our first congresswoman is in the spotlight, be- 
cause we are waiting to hear her vote and get the 
woman's standpoint. True, she is a noble char- 
acter, true, she is representing the women's voice, 
and true, she must take conditions as they are 
and not as we want them to be. 

If we are to allow the hideous monstrosities 
to prevail and allow Germany to sink our ships 
and our men, women and children with no warn- 
ing, if we are to allow the German empire to 
gain acquisition and domineer the whole world, 
if we are to permit the savage and ruthless in- 
vasion of gallant little Belgium by the flower of 
the kaiser's army, if we can stand back and see 
Belgian women and children slaughtered by dis- 



The American Heart 145 

honor, if we are to maintain that "peace must 
exist at any price," we will have peace, but what 
a "rotten" democracy — selfish and uncivilized lot 
of people will we be. 

True, war is the genius of evil, it is a history 
of authorized theft and slaughter upon land and 
sea. It is fun for murderers and pirates ; it is 
a license for one body of people to privateer an- 
other body of people. It is a foul conscience to 
kill and allow the robbing of merchantmen, to 
sink ships regardless of innocent women and 
children. The evil power of war amuses annihi- 
lation of commerce and exchange. The nervous 
s\stem is always up at ends in a state of siege 
where law is suspended and force is imposing 
ransoms. 

This country has been crying for preparedness 
ever since our first symptoms of trouble with 
Mexico were obvious. Although we say we 
would never wage a war of aggression, yet we 
must defend not only our people and property, 
but something far greater and that is, HUMAN- 
ITY. The Spanish War was started by us after 
Spain had given in on practically every important 
point, started because the Jingoes appeared to 
have the upper hand; started ostensibly for the 
sake of outraged humanity: and turned into a 
war not only of conquest and aggression but of 
an attempted subjugation of a people who asked 
independence. 



146 The American Heart 

Dear friend, I cannot feel as you do, as you 
are a pacifist regardless of existing conditions. 
I know, every person at heart is but in order to 
erect one large building such as the Woolworth, 
we must throw down many small ones to build a 
solid foundation, to establish a permanent peace, 
we must throw down every obstacle to PEACE, 
and see prevailing before us for the future an 
undisturbed peace. WE must declare war. We 
must by arms defend our country's ideals, its 
rights and lives of our citizens, the hour is here 
when we must take our part in the world struggle 
for liberty and justice and humanity, against the 
ruthless aggression of the Imperial German gov- 
ernment. We must show our determination that 
in so far as in us lies, the honor and faith of the 
Nation shall be redeemed, that we must pledge 
ourselves to subordinate every interest, to make 
every sacrifice, so that we may secure that 
triumph of righteousness over tyranny purchased 
by the lives of our ancestors ; that triumph for 
which our brothers across the sea are dying 
today, every fair-minded and good American citi- 
zen should urge Congress with full power to 
support the Allies, who until now were keeping 
the enemy away from our shores. 

Personally, I believe that the legislature should 
provide for universal compulsory military train- 
ing and services under Federal control. You 
see, every young man of the prescribed military 



The American Heart 147 

age should take such training because it would 
fit him up physically for his future life, and also 
would be ready in case of emergency. 

After reading the message of the president 
who was so great in times of peace and remark- 
able a great war president, the heart of the 
whole nation is turned to one concentrated point. 
That one thought is SACRIFICE. In 1776 we 
fought for liberty and independence, against a 
German King seated on an English throne and 
today as much as we tried to divert it, the Ger- 
man Prussianism pressed so hard that now we 
can't be crushed to the wall. We must strike 
back. Men and women in the past have fought 
and sacrificed the last drops of blood in their 
bodies to make this country a free place for 
you, for me, for all of us to live in. It is now 
our duty to do something for the future genera- 
tion so as to make certain the free land of our 
country. 

I am sending you the president's speech. That 
will give you my reasons for wanting war. 



PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF 

WAR. 

President Wilson's Famous Address at the Opening 
of the War Congress, April 2, 1917. 

Gentlemen of the Congress: 

I have called the Cono-ress into extraordinary ses- 
sion because there are serious, very serious choices 



148 The American Heart 



of policy to be made, and made immediately, which 
it is neither right nor constitutionally permissible 
that I should assume the responsibility of making". 

On the third of Februar}^ last, I officially laid 
before you the extraordinary announcements of the 
Imperial German government that on and after the 
first day of February it was its purpose to put aside 
all restraints of law or of humanity and use its 
submarines to sink every vessel that sought to ap- 
proach either the ports of Great Britain and Ireland 
or the western coasts of Europe or any of the ports 
controlled by any of the enemies of Germany within 
the Mediterranean. That had seemed to be the 
object of the German submarine warefare earlier in 
the year, but since April of last year the Imperial 
German government had somewhat restrained the 
commanders of the undersea craft in conformity with 
its promise then given to us that passenger boats 
should not be sunk and that due warning would be 
given to all other vessels which its submarines 
might seek to destroy, when no resistance was of- 
fered or escape attempted, and care taken that their 
crews were given at least a fair chance to save their 
lives in their open boats. The precautions taken 
were meagre and haphazard enough, as was proved 
in distressing instance after instance in the progress 
of the cruel and unmanly business, but a certain 
degree of restraint was observed. The new policy 
has swept every restriction aside. Vessels of every 
kind, whatever their flag, their character, their cargo, 
their destination, their errand, have been ruthlessly 
sent to the bottom without warning and without 
thought of help or mercy for those on board, the 
vessels of friendly neutrals along with those of 
belligerents. Even hospital ships and ships carrying 
relief to those sorely bereaved and stricken people 
of Belgium, though the latter was provided with 
safe conduct through the proscribed areas by the 
German government itself and were distinguished 
by unmistakable marks of identify, have been sunk 
with the same reckless lack of compassion or of 
principle. 

I was for a little while unable to believe that such 



The American Heart 149 



things would in fact be done by an}^ government that 
had hitherto subscribed to the humane practices of 
civilized nations. International lav^ had its origin 
in the attempt to set up some law which would be 
respected and observed upon the sea, where no 
nation had right of domination and where lay the 
free highways of the world. By painful stage after 
stage has that law been built up, v/ith meagre 
enough results, indeed, after all was accomplished 
that could be accomplished, but always with a clear 
view, at least, of what the heart and conscience of 
mankind demanded. The minimum of right the 
German government has swept aside under the plea 
of retaliation and necessity and because it had no 
weapons which it could use at sea except these which 
it is impossible to employ as it is employing them 
without throwing to the winds all scruples of 
humanity or of respect for the understandings that 
were supposed to underlie the intercourse of the 
world. I am not now thinking of the loss of prop- 
erty involved, immense and as serious as that is. 
but only the wanton and wholesale destruction of 
the lives of non-combatants, men, vv^omen and chil- 
dren, engaged in pursuits which have always, even 
in the darkest periods of modern history, been 
deemed innocent and legitimate. Property can be 
paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people 
cannot. The present German submarine warfare 
against commerce is a warfare against mankind. 
It is a war against all nations. American ships 
have been sunk. American lives taken, in ways 
which it has stirred us very deeply to learn of, 
but the ships and people of other neutral and 
friendly nations have been sunk and overv.dielmed 
in the water in the same way. There has been no 
discrimination. The challenge is to all mankind. 
Each nation must decide for itself how it will meet 
it. The choice we make for ourselves must be 
made with a moderation of council and a temperate- 
ness of judgment befitting our character and our 
motives as a nation. We must put excited feelings 
away. Our motive will not be revenge or the vic- 
torious assertion of the physical might of the nation. 



150 The American Heart 



but onl}^ the vindication of right — of human right— 
of which v/e are only a single champion 

When I addressed the Congress on the twenty- 
sixth of February last, I thought that it would 
suffice to assert our neutral rights, with arms; our 
right to use the seas against unlawful interference; 
our right to keep our people safe against unlawful 
violence. But armed neutrality, it now appears, is 
impracticable. Because submarines are now in effect 
outlaws when used as the German submarines have 
been used against merchant shipping, it is impos- 
sible to defend ships against their attacks as the 
law of nations has assumed that merchantmen would 
defend themselves against privateers or cruisers, 
visible crafts giving chase upon the open sea. It 
is common prudence in such circumstances, grim 
necessity indeed, to endeavor to destroy them be- 
fore they have shown their own intentions. They 
must be dealt with upon sight, if dealt with at all. 
The German government denies the right of neutrals 
to use arms at all within the areas of the sea 
which it has proscribed, even in the defence of rights 
which no modern publicist has ever before ques- 
tioned their right to defend. The intimation is con- 
veyed that the armed guards which we have placed 
on our merchant ships will be treated as beyond 
the pale of law and subject to be dealt with as 
pirates would be. Armed neutrality is ineffectual 
enough at best; in such circumstances and in the 
face of such pretentions it is worse than ineffectual; 
it is likely only to produce what it was meant to 
prevent; it is practically certain to draw us into 
the v/ar without either the rights or the effectiveness 
of belligerents. There is one choice we cannot 
make, we are incapable of making; we will not 
choose the path of submission and suffer the most 
sacred rights of our nation and our people to be 
ignored or violated. The wrongs against which we 
now array ourselves are no common wrongs; they 
cut to the roots of human life. 

With a profound sense of the solemn and even 
tragical character of the step I am taking and of 
the grave responsibilities which it involves, but in 



The American Heart 151 



unhesitating obedience to what I deem my consti- 
tutional duty, I advise that the Congress declare the 
recent course of the Imperial German government 
to be in fact nothing less than war against the 
government and the people of the United States; 
that it formally accepted the status of belligerent 
which has been thrust upon it; and that it take im- 
mediate steps not only to put the country in a more 
thorough state of defense but also to exert all its 
powers and employ all its resources to bring the 
government of the German Empire to terms and 
end the war. 

What this will involve is clear. It will involve 
the utmost practicable co-operation in counsel and 
action with the governments now at war with Ger- 
many, and, as incident to that, the extension to 
those governments of the more liberal financial 
credits, in order that our resources may so far as 
possible be added to theirs. It will involve the 
immediate full equipment of the navy in all re- 
spects, but particularly in supplying it with the 
best means of dealing with the enemies' submarines. 
It will involve the immediate addition to the armed 
forces of the United States already provided for 
by law in case of war of at least five hundred 
thousand men, who should, in my opinion be chosen 
upon the principle of univerral liability to service, 
and also the authorization of subsequent additional 
increments of equal force so soon as they may be 
needed and can ];e handled in training. It will 
involve also, of course, the granting of adequate 
credits to the government, sustained, I hope, so far 
as they can equitably be sustained by the present 
generation, by well conceived taxation. 

I say sustained so far as may be equitable by 
taxation, because it seems to me that it would be 
most unwise to base the credits which will now 
be necessary, entirely on borrowed money. It is 
our duty, I most respectfully urge, to protect our 
people so far as we may, against the very serious 
hardships and evils which would l)e likely to arise 
out of the inflation wdiich would be produced by 
vast loans. 



152 The American Heart 



In carr3ang out the measures by which these 
things are to be accomplished, we should keep 
constantly in mind the v/isdom of interfering as 
little as possible in our own preparation and in 
the equipment of our own military forces with the 
dut}', for it will be a very practical duty, of sup- 
plying the nations already at war with Germany 
with the materials which they can obtain only 
from us or by our assistance. They are in the field 
and we should help th^em in every way to be effec- 
tive there 

I shall take the liberty of suggesting, through 
the several executive departments of the Govern- 
ment, for the consideration of your committees, 
measures for the accomplishment of the sever- 
al objects I have mentioned. I hope that it will 
be 3'^our pleasure to deal with them as having been 
framed, after very careful thought, by the branch 
of the Government upon which the responsibility 
of conducting the war and safeguarding the nation 
will most directly fall. 

While we do these things, these deeply momentous 
things, let us be ver}?- clear and make very clear 
to all the world what our motives and objects are. 
My own thought has not been driven from its 
habitual and normal course by the unhappy events 
of the last two months, and I do not believe that 
the thought of the nation has been altered or 
clouded by them. T have exactly the same things 
in mind now that I had in mind when I addressed 
the Senate on the twenty-second of January, last; 
the same that I had in mind when I addressed the 
Congress on the third of February and on the 
tvv^enty-sixth of February. Our object now, as then, 
is to vindicate the principals of peace and justice 
in the life of the world, as against selfish and auto- 
cratic power, and self-governed people of the world 
such as a concert of purpose and of action as will 
henceforth ensure the observance of those prin- 
ciples. Neutrality is no longer feasible or desir- 
able w^here the peace of the world is involved and 
the freedom of its people, and the menace of that 
peace and freedom lies in the existence of auto- 



The American Heart 153 



cratic governments backed by their will, not by 
the will of their people. We have seen the last 
of neutrality in such circumstances. We are at 
the beginning of an age in which it will be insisted 
that the same standards of conduct and of respon- 
sibility for wrong done shall be observed among 
nations and their governments that are observed 
among the individual citizens of civilized states. 

We have no quarrel with the German people. 
We have no feeling toward them but one of sym- 
pathy and friendship. It was not upon their im- 
pulse that their Government acted in entering 
this war. It v/as not with their previous knowl- 
edge or approval. It was a war determined upon 
as wars used to be determined upon in the 
old, unhappy days when people were nowhere 
consulted b y their rulers and wars were pro- 
voked and waged in the interest of djniasties 
or of little groups of ambitious men who were 
accustomed to use their fellow^ men as pawns and 
tools. Self-governed nations do not fill their 
neighbor states with spies or set the course of 
intrigue to bring about some critical posture of 
affairs which will give them an opportunity to strike 
and make conquest. Such designs can be suc- 
cessfully worked out only under cover and where 
no one has the right to ask questions. Cunningly 
contrived plans of deception or aggression, car- 
ried, it may be, from generation to generation, can 
be worked out and kept from the light only within 
the privacy of courts or behind the carefully 
guarded confidences of a narrow and privileged 
class. They are happily impossible where public 
opinion commands and insists upon full information 
concerning all the nation's affairs. 

A steadfast concert for peace can never be main- 
tained except by a partnership of democratic na- 
tions. No autocratic government could be trusted 
to keep faith within it or observe its covenants. 
It must be a league of honor, a partnership of opin- 
ion. Intrigue would eat its vitals away, and plotting 
of inner circles who could plan what they would 
and render account to no one, would be a corrup- 



154 The American Heart 



tion seated at its very heart. Only free people 
can hold their purpose and their honor steady to a 
common end and prefer the interests of mankind 
to any narrow interests of their own 

Does not every American feel that assurance 
has been added to our hope for the future peace 
of the world by the wonderful and heartening 
things that have been happening within the last 
few weeks in Russia? Russia was known by those 
who knew it best to have been always, in fact, 
democratic at heart, in all the vital habits of her 
thought, in all the intimate relationships of her 
people that spoke their natural instinct, their hab- 
itual attitude toward life. The autocracy that 
crowned the summit of her political structure, long 
as it had stood and terrible as was the reality of its 
power, was not in fact Russian in origin, character 
or purpose; and now it has been shaken off and the 
great generous Russian people have been added, 
in all their native majesty and might, to the forces 
that are fighting for freedom in the world, for 
justice and for peace. Here is a fit partner for a 
League of Honor. 

One of the things that has served to convince 
us that the Prussian autocracy was not and could 
never be our friend, is that from the very outset 
of the present war it has filled our unsuspecting 
communities and even our offices of government 
with spies and set criminal intrigues everywhere 
afoot against our national unity of council, our 
peace within and without, our industries and our 
commerce. Indeed, it is evident that its spies 
were here even before the war began, and it is 
checking these things and trying to extirpate 
proved in our courts of justice, that the intrigues 
Vvdiich have more than once come perilously near 
to disturbing the peace and dislocating the indus- 
tries of the country, have been carried on at the 
instigation, with the support and even under the 
personal direction of official agents of the Imperial 
Government accredited to the Government of 
the United States. Even in checking these things 
and trying to extirpate them, we have sought the 



The American Heart 155 



most generous interpretation possible upon them, 
because we knew that the source lay not in any 
hostile feeling or purpose of the German people 
toward us (who were, no doubt, as ignorant of them 
as we ourselves were), but only in the selfish design 
of a Government that did what it pleased and told 
its people nothing. But they have played their part 
in serving to convince us at last that the Govern- 
ment entertains no real friendship for us and means 
to act against our peace and security at its con- 
venience. That it means to stir up enemies against 
against us at our very doors, the intercepted note 
to the German Minister at Mexico City is elo- 
quent evidence. 

We are accepting this challenge of hostile pur- 
pose because we know that in such a government, 
following such methods, we can never have a friend; 
and that in the presence of its organized power, 
always lying in wait to accomplish we know not 
what purpose, there can be no assured security 
for the democratic government of the world We 
are now about to accept gage of battle with this 
natural foe to liberty and shall, if necessary, spend 
the whole force of the nation to check and nul- 
lify its pretensions and its power. We are glad, 
now that we see the whole facts with no veil of 
false pretense about them, to fight thus for the ulti- 
mate peace of the world and for the liberation 
of its people, the German people included; for the 
rights of nations great and small and the privilege 
of men everywhere to choose their way of life 
and of obedience. The world must be made safe 
for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon 
the tested foundation of political liberty. Wie 
have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no 
conquest, no domination. We seek no indem- 
nities for ourselves, no material compensation for 
the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but 
one of the champions of the rights of mankind. 
We shall be satisfied when those rights have been 
made as secure as faith and the freedom of nations 
can make them 

Just because we fight without rancor and with- 



156 The American Heart 



out selfish object, seeking nothing for ourselves but 
what we shall wish to share with all free people, 
we shall, I feel confident, conduct our operations 
as belligerents without passion, and ourselves ob- 
serve with proud punctilio the principles of right 
and fair play we profess to be fighting for. 

I have said nothing of the governments allied with 
the Imperial Government of Germany because 
they have not made war upon us or challenged 
us to defend our rights and honor. The Austro- 
Hungarian Government has, indeed, avowed its 
unqualified endorsement and acceptance of the reck- 
less and lawless submarine warfare adopted now 
without disguise, by the Imperial German Gov- 
ernment, and it has, therefore, not been possible 
for this Government to receive Count Tarnowski, 
an ambassador recently accredited to this Govern- 
ment by the Imperial and Royal Governm.ent of 
Austria-Hungary; but the Government has not 
actually engaged in warfare against citizens of the 
United States on the seas, and, I take the liberty 
for the present, at least, of postponing a discus- 
sion of our relation with the authorities at Vienna. 
We enter this war only where we are clearly forced 
into it because there are no other means of de- 
fending our rights. 

It will be all the easier for us to conduct ourselves 
as belligerents in a high spirit of right and fairness, 
because we act without animus, not in enmity to- 
wards a people or with the desire to bring any 
injury or disadvantage upon them, but only in armed 
opposition to an irresponsible Government which 
has thrown aside all considerations of humanity 
and right and is running amuck. We are, let me 
say again, the sincere friends of the German people 
and shall desire nothing so much as the early re- 
establishment of intimate relations of mutual ad- 
vantage between us, however hard it may be for 
them, for the time being, to believe that this is 
spoken from our hearts. We have borne with 
their present Government through all these bitter 
months because of that friendship, exercising a 
patience and forbearance which would otherwise 



The American Heart 157 



have been impossible. We shall, happily, still have 
an opportunity to prove that friendship in our daily 
attitude and action toward the millions of men 
and women of German birth and native sympathy 
who live amongst us and share our life, and we 
shall be proud to prove it towards all who are in 
fact, loyal to their neighbors and to the Gov- 
ernment in the hour of test. They are, most 
of them, as true and loyal Americans as if they 
had never known any other fealty or allegiance. 
They may be prompt to stand with us in rebuking 
and restraining the few who may be of a different 
mind and purpose. If there should be disloyalty, 
it will be dealt with from a firm hand and stern 
repression; but if it lifts its head at all, it will 
lift it only here and there and without counte- 
nance except from a lawless and malignant few. 
It is a distressing and oppressive duty, gentlemen 
of the Congress, which I have performed in thus 
addressing you. There are, it may be, many months 
of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a 
fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people 
into war, into the most terrible and disastrous 
of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the 
balance. But the right is more precious than peace 
and we shall fight for the things which we have 
always carried nearest our hearts — for democracy, 
for the right of those who submit to the authority 
to have a voice in its own government, for the rights 
and liberties of small nations, for a universal dom- 
ination of right by such a concert of free people 
as shall bring peace and safety to all nations 
and make the world itself at last free. To such 
a task we can dedicate our lives and our fortunes, 
everything that we are and everything that we 
have, with the pride of those who know that the 
day has come when America is privileged to spend 
her blood and her might for the principles that 
gave her birth and happiness and peace, which 
she has treasured. God helping her, she can do 
no other. 

When you say that war never accomplishes 



158 THE American Heart 

any good, let me tell you right here that every 
war has ended favoring the right. It is a fight 
between an innocent body of people against 
another innocent body of people, but principle 
will always be the object, and according to the 
verdict of God, the righteous shall win. 
With best thoughts, I am, 

Kitty. 

March, 1917. 

The inspiration of our souls is breathed in 
through the deeds of great men. Our nation's 
best have given us the source of our feelings 
in the present crisis. The great President of our 
country is on the fence, as to the routine to 
follow. As a great pacifist he has kept us out 
of war. As a loyal citizen he is trying to create 
neutrality, but as a humanitarian he is going to 
follow the example of our great leaders. The 
whole country is impatiently waiting for the de- 
cision of the President. The whole world is 
awaiting the verdict of the United States. 

On the third of February, President Wilson 
addressed the joint session of Congress on the 
German submarine order and announced the 
breaking of diplomatic relations with Germany. 
The German ambassador was dismissed from 
our shores and our American ambassador left 
the country which authorized her people to cold- 



The American Heart 159 

bloodedly torpedo and sink our steamships with- 
out warning. President Wilson recommended 
armed neutrality and notified neutrals of the 
break with Germany and hoped that they might 
find it possible to take similar action. 

Now that we have broken our relations, v/e 
must stand behind the president. 

Some people are opposed to war on the ground 
tliat war is opposed to the teachings of Chris- 
tianity. I would remind those gentle people, 
many of them undoubtedly of good intentions 
many of them .^o kind-hearted: that if a burglar 
entered their houses they would invite him into 
their library to discuss political economy, that 
the founder of Christianity was far from being 
a pacifist either in his life or methods. In the 
sermon on the mount he did not say, "Blessed 
are the peaceful," or "Blessed are the pacifists," 
but "Blessed are the peacemakers." 

The whole history of the world shows that 
physical forces are often necessary to bring about 
peace. The policeman on our thoroughfares is 
not armed with a pistol or truncheon for the 
purpose of injuring people or persons or damag- 
ing property, but to assist him in his duty of 
maintaining order. America is in the present 
war for the purpose of being a peacemaker. 
This country has never been at war except with 
the purpose of bringing peace. In the war of 
1776, we stood behind our first commander-in- 



160 THE American Heart 

chief of the American army and we, by our own 
loyalty helped George Washington to become 
president of the first republic in the world. 

Again we have a great character. 

Whosoever hath faith in the progress of true 
humanity will commemorate the birth of the im- 
mortal emancipator, Lincoln. In a miserable hut, 
a one roomed cabin without floor or window, 
in a sterile and solitary part of the Kentucky 
wilderness; in the midst of the most unpromis- 
ing circumstances that ever witnessed the advent 
of a hero into this v/orld, a son was born on 
the twelfth day of February, 1809. This son 
w^as named Abraham — and from the squalor 
and wretchedness of that nativity, through years 
of toil and struggle and suffering, the heir to 
it all rose to be the Patriot, the Statesman, the 
President, the Liberator, Abraham Lincoln. 

Who would ever have imagined that the new 
born babe crawling around the floorless hut 
v/ould some day break the chain from a race 
in bondage and cause the bright sun of freedom 
to shine down upon the land made sad by 
slavery's cruel strife. 

Lincoln realized the struggle that he had had 
and what was before him when he made his fare- 
well address on leaving his Springfield home. 

"My friends, one not in my situation can ap- 
preciate any feeling of sadness at this part- 
ing. To this place and to the kindness of these 



The American Heart 161 

people, I owe everything. Here I have lived 
a quarter of a century and have passed from a 
young to an old man. Here my children have 
been born and one is buried. I now leave, not 
knowing when or whether I shall ever return, 
with a greater task before me than that which 
rested upon Washington. Without the assis- 
tance of that Divine Being, who ever attended 
him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I 
cannot fail. Trusting Him, who may go v/ith 
me, and remain with you and be everywhere at 
the same time, let us confidently hope that all 
will be well. To His care commending you, as 
I hope in your prayers you will commend me, 
I bid you an affectionate farewell" 

Thus Lincoln bid a pathetic farewell to his 
old-time friends and neighbors and then departed 
on the journey to Washington to take up the ard- 
uous duties of the great office to which he had 
been chosen by the people. 

No man was called on to face so desperate 
and so disheartening a situation as that v.hich 
confronted Lincoln when he became president, 
March 4th, 1861. His conciliatory and pathetic 
appeals had been unheaded by the South and 
her leaders were already preparing for war. 
The crisis was at hand and Lincoln threw his 
p-reat heart and soul into renewed effort to 
avert it, but all in vain. 

He climbed the ladder of renown and sue- 



162 THE American Heart 

cess by his own indominable purpose and hon- 
est intent. From the humble frontier home to 
the executive mansion, he reached the pinnacle 
of human fame. 

It was good Friday, the 14th of April, 1865. 
He attended Ford's theatre that night. People 
were yet excited over the closing events of the 
Civil War. He was acclaimed by the audience 
and given a grand demonstration. Suddenly 
during the progress of the play there w^as a 
pistol shot and a shrill voice shouted : ''Sic 
semper tyranis," and Lincoln dropped in his 
chair, never to speak another word. 

There was not a loyal family in the land that 
did not mourn. He left fame immortal, as 
solid as justice and as genuine as truth and 
under an appropriate monument his remains 
lie entombed at Springfield, Illinois. On his 
birthday a happy and united country do sacred 
honor to his memory. For Lincoln was surely 
a forerunner of civilization ; he believed not in 
war except as a last resort. 

This country has never been at war except 
with the purpose of bringing peace. In the 
War of 1861, under the guidance of that great 
peacemaker, Abraham Lincoln, we fought to 
bring peace to a troubled and divided nation 
and by successfully standing behind Abraham 
Lincoln we brought peace and honor, not only 
to ourselves, but to the people of the South, 



The American Heart 163 

besides bringing peace and freedom to the en- 
slaved black man. 

In 1898, as a nation, we stood behind the 
peacemaker, William McKinley, and as a re- 
sult of the Spanish-American War we brought 
peace and happiness to an island which before 
was a clubhouse of tragedy and discord. More 
than that, we brought peace even to Spain, the 
nation we defeated. In all of these wars this 
nation stood behind its presidents, notwith- 
standing the cowardly opposition of thousands 
of pacifists at the time. History has vindi- 
cated the policies of Abraham Lincoln and Wil- 
liam McKinley and our position as a nation 
stands secure in honor and peace, because of 
our loyalty to our president. 

We should stand behind the president and if 
necessary sacrifice our lives and our property, 
because as Americans we believe that there 
are things in this world worth fighting for and 
dying for. There is a power v/hich transcends 
reason, which rises above life itself, that is the 
power w^hich the spirit of man possesses to 
pursue the ideal. Without that power life is 
infinitely contemptible, the purpose and end of 
liuman existence is a hieroglyphic written in 
mind. The power to pursue the ideal made the 
difference between George Washington and 
Benedict Arnold ; between Abraham Lincoln 
and Aaron Burr; between the man whose onl}^ 



164 The American Heart 

regret is that he has but one life to give to his 
country and the man whose patriotism begins 
and ends with the dollar mark. 

April, 1917. 

Over two years and I haven't had a word 
from Billy! I wonder what has happened? 
The American heart is ever thus. We condemn, 
we find fault with our own, Vv e love to tease ; 
yet we would fire, we would kill if a foreigner 
dare underestimate the very things we pretend 
to ridicule. 

Can Billy have been captured and killed? 
Have I been aroused in interest to really care, 
or is it a matter of natural curiosity? Time 
seemed to pass quickly and several of my other 
correspondents who have gone to help dear 
France have Avritten me. 

My Little Girl: 

How powerful is love, so powerful that the whole 
being- can be transformed in a day, an hour. God! 
it offers wonderful possibilities, it makes you see 
life with a bigger, greater understanding and so 
makes you more capable of carrying on God's 
wishes. 

To love and be loved! Ah, that is the eternal 
question, but to love alone, how full of sadness. 
What hopeless despair assails the portal of one's 
heart. But it's better to love as they say, than 
never to have loved at all, and so in loving we have 
fulfilled one of our Master's ideas. 



The American Heart 165 

Aly love is bigger than myself and so it does not 
behoove me to say another word, but as I go my 
lonely way I'm sure that some time the dark places 
will be much brighter because I have loved you, 
and so I do have something to thank the Lord for. 

I pray that some time God will make you under- 
stand, but were your love for me to cause you one 
minute's unhappiness I should say to God, banish 
love from her heart, for I am not selfish. And so 
I go my way, rejoicing that I have met you, my 
mate, and my faith in God remains the same. 

Raymond. 

Paris, France. 
Mr. Dear Miss Kitty: 

Fortunately, I know how to speak French enough 
to be understood. There are a number of American 
boys in camp and we try to be together as much as 
possible. After all, there is a clinging to the land 
of one's birth. 

When I arrived here, I was very much surprised 
to see notices all over the City of Paris, I saw 
"Meviez vous des traitres." It was printed on 
placards in the subway, street cars, and all over. 
It looked as though it meant more than a dental 
advertisement put up by Colgate, or a dandruff cure. 
I knew the word "meviez vous des" but had to resort 
to the dictionary for the rest. Just as I thought, 
"Be careful of spys." 

The expression did not annoy me at all because 
some of the French boys — real natives, told me 
that spys from Germany have been preparing for 
this war for many years. I really can't see anything 
more dispicable than knowing a German who mar- 



166 



The American Heart 



ried a French girl and as soon as the war broke out, 
he turned against her land and betrayed her city's 
confidence. He knew all the important places in 
Paris. He knew where the money places were, 
where all the important papers were kept. He 
actually spied right along. 

You may v/onder how in the world I know, but 
3^ou see as soon as the war broke out, he took 
a trip to Germany and saw the necessary men to 
affiliate with, then he came back and was rather 
unpleasant to the French people. Then the mail was 
looked after and as you undoubtedly know, a censor 
is established, and through this, his letters were 
found to contain secret codes. Think what one spy 
can do to damn a city. 

The mail censor is a very interesting thing. Th< 
government has a bureau which is composed of men 
and women who are chosen through the highest 
references. They generally employ people who are 
known as loyal patriots and who under no sus- 
picion can be spys. Somehow, Paris is just over- 
crowded with spies, and every man, woman and child 
is suspicious about his or her neighbor and every 
action is guarded so keenly. The least sign of 
suspicion is reported and immediately a detective is 
put on the trail of the accused. Generally, the foun- 
dations have been groundless, but the French are 
skeptical people during the war. 

You can't blame them, because they are so close 
to Germany and feel that the very Frenchman who 
preaches patriotism is giving information to a com- 
patriot of Germany. 

Now go back to this mail censor. Every letter 
that arrives or goes out is opened, read, and sent. 
The letters that avoid inspection are generally the 



The American Heart 167 

small written correspondence letters. The very 
envelop shows that there is no secret message. All 
letters that have a business address in the upper 
left hand corner, and letters that are typewritten, 
or envelopes that are large, or writing that looks 
German script are opened at the censor bureau. 
You see, they must be careful because of past ex- 
periences. 

1 was very much interested in your question about 
mail that arrives from America. You see, France 
and America are friends. If we were not, do you 
suppose for one minute, that I would be here help- 
ing an enemy? There would not be one American 
fighting if it were not for the fact that we are 
friends. Yes, it is true that even American mail is 
opened. We should not be indignant at all. Some- 
times we must be reasonable and regard the other 
man's situation. 

France in opening letters from everywhere, offers 
no insult but is protecting her rights and is pre- 
venting information from slipping through. You see, 
if American letters were permitted to pass unnoticed, 
how easy it would be for a spy to send mail to 
America first, then to its destination. 

Have you thought of that? You seem to wonder 
why I don't describe the battle field and tell you 
all the hardships. That is what the censor really 
tries to avoid. The government does not wish to 
spread news of her dead and wounded, and the 
terrible catastrophes because of the feelings of those 
at home, and perhaps some men might be reported 
dead when as a matter of fact they are not, and 
\ice versa. We are ordered not to describe condi- 
tions and if a letter contains such information it 
is destroyed or returned to the sender. Of course 



168 



The American Heart 



that is a little hard on the American. You would 
like to know everything that is taking place, and 
yet we have no right to tell you. Perhaps they 
adhere to this strict rule because some soldier un- 
consciously might give away valuable information. 
After all, the spys are very clever, and they can take 
one point and another point, and by the simple 
process, put two and two together. 

I wonder if you are thinking of me and consider- 
ing the offer I miade you before I left. Tell me 
and make me the happiest man in the world. 

Lou. 

While Lou was a man of the greatest regard 
and perfect ''catch" for some girl, I could not 
listen to his plea, so long as Billy was in the 

race. 



Paris, France. 



Mr. Dear Miss Kitty: 



You seem to be under the impression that the 
soldiers are constantly in the trenches, doing noth- 
ing but killing ^'all day long. No, on the contrary, we 
spend very little time in actual firing. 

When the boys are awakened in the morning by 
bugle or by messenger (it depends upon the dis- 
tance we are from the enemy) we drill, then get 
some nourishment, then go along the regular routine 
of warfare. We change off. There is no man here 
that will complain of overwork. 

Your question asking me how we are physically 
capable to aim land fire all day long, then with little 
sleep resume the same course the next day, was 



The American Heart 169 

expected. Apparently, j'ou, too, are under the im- 
pression under which many are erroneously laboring. 

We are on the battle field very little. Each group 
has its chance. We have time for sociability, sing 
sometimes, and lead a natural life. Instead of fight- 
ing for possession as one man does over another in 
cities, we are fighting for principle. It is done in 
the regular business course of the day. There is 
no truth that men are fighting day and night. It is 
either day or night or not even that duration of 
time. 

Wc are v.orking in shifts, just as the subway 
guards in New York. When we are on duty, we 
must fight for breathing space and existence, no 
more than the people that are trying to rush home 
on the subway at six o'clock. I would rather be 
here in the open air leading a man's life and be 
told that I am fighting than be in the tunnels, 
actually fighting but refuse to admit it. 

After all, what is life? We don't know what 
principle is right and if we -are fighting we don't 
know for whom or for what. We are under strict 
discipline, and must obey. It seems to me you are 
right in saying that nature forces animosity in a 
man's heart just to create a disturbance so as to 
provoke the peace. If nature and not man is behind 
all this undesirable condition, why should we rebel 
against it? For economic reasons we must kill and 
do away with masses. It seems pitiless to regard 
the situation in this light, but we are taking facts 
not as they should be but as they are. True, every- 
body should be healthy, wealthy, and wise, and lead 
,a long sweet life, just laden with love. That is a 
condition that should be, but is it? No, we must 
take actual existence as it is and treat it as such. 



170 The American Heart 

A soldier's thoughts reach out to his home, and 
dear ones, not only at the time of relaxation but 
even on the firing line. At the moment of action, 
a question arises in our minds — '"why do we do 
this?" The voice of the commander awakens the 
animal instincts and with renewed efforts, we aim — 
aim straight — straight into the hearts of the enemy. 
We seldom miss, as we are disciplined in the strict 
test way. When we are at duty, nothing sympathetic 
enters our minds, we work and we are conscious, 
but there is a time during the day, strange to say, 
just when the sun sets and darkness is coming on, 
that the boys gather around the camp and few 
speak — all seem reticent, and think. We haven't any 
chairs that can give the back some support, we have 
only camp stools and these are given to the first 
come, first served. Other who come later are com- 
fortable on the ground. Yes at that time of the 
day, pessimism seems to predominate. Some write 
at that time, as most of the soldiers keep dairies so 
as to be passed down to the family folds, or to 
those they love, or to posterity so that in some 
future time, a new feeling of duty and heroism might 
be inspired, in days to come when necessity arises. 

You ask me in the last letter to tell you what 
my thoughts are at the time of the setting sun. I 
generally get away from the bunch (and linger by 
myself. Sometimes I see a few others trying to be 
with their own thoughts. I see a man lying flat 
on his back stretched full length. He feels that is 
the best way to relax after a ten mile hike. Some 
men feel that if they chat or sing — generally the old 
folk songs that that is their recreation. Others feel 
that sleep would add la little contentment. Some 
smoke, and by their expression, I can see that their 



The American Heart 171 

thoughts are not on the battle field but miles and 
miles away. No man speaks about the battle field 
when he is relaxing. 

My thoughts yesterday were of mother. I know 
how hard it must be for her. The call to arms did 
not give me a chance to see that she should be 
provided for. T wonder why the government does 
not take such cases in hand, and award each mother 
and wife, a pension to serve as an allowance until 
the men return, and if he does not live to come 
back, the pension should continue for her life. I 
was thinking of the many mothers, wives and sweet- 
hearts- that called to bid us goodbye at the regi- 
ments. I thought of the anxious faces, embraces, 
kisses, signs of affection, unselfish love, loyality 
every display of encouragement and the suppressed 
emotions. I can see my mother holding "me in her 
arms, close to her heart, I had my thoughts here 
then, but now my thoughts are home again. 

I do wish that sunset would not have such a 
material effect upon us boys. After all, I feel that 
our manhood and strength are little compared to the 
natural influence that commands our destinies. Morn- 
ing brings different thoughts entirely, and I dare 
say that we often think that absence make the heart 
grow fonder and gives people an insight into the 
good, and the realization that love and kindness will 
go further and yield more happiness than all the 
haughtiness and asperity that we can possibly as- 
sume. My thoughts are of you and I wish I could 
feel that yours are of me. 

Your soldier boy, 

Herbert, 

And so, too, Herbert's letter was interesting, 
but meant no more. 



172 The American Heart 



My Dear Miss Kitty: 

1 am so sorry that conditions have really forced 
us into the war. What will our American boys do? 
I wonder how I can be transferred. The trouble 
with this whole thing is that we waited too long. 
The President certainly uses some good common 
horse sense, and gives wonderful speeches. His 
writings will go down in history as the finest procla- 
mation ever declared. But action — action. What is 
the good of all that fine thought going to waste? 

We don't get much American news here, but I 
read a little French and when the soldiers get to- 
gether and speak about the "peaceful land," I gen- 
erall}'- stop my thought so as to get an earful. I 
heard on reading the President's address to Con- 
gress. How my blood did boil. I felt as though 
we are gradually beginning to throw aside our 
false pride and hypocritical democracy, and begin 
to see a real democracy. 

I felt every word that the President uttered. I 
read his words myself. 

"The world must be made safe for democracy; 
its peace must be planted upon the tested founda- 
tions of political liberty. We have no selfish ends 
to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. 
We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material 
compensations for the sacrifices we shall freely 
make. We are but one of the champions of the 
rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when 
those rights have been made as secure as the faith 
and the freedom of nations can make them." 

My but those words are true and hit right to the 
core. I hope Congress will take a decided action 
and help the other countries to break down a 



The American Heart 173 

military pov/er so as to make peace a securer and 
finer factor. We in the French trenches are watch- 
ing and waiting, not to carry through the old ex- 
pression that misery wants company. No, we feel 
that unity is strength. Germany must be spanked 
and made to feel ashamed of herself for many gener- 
ations. This world war is to establish a principle. 
I am sure that the United States is one of the 
leading countries and should be congratulated for 
seeking a nation's honor under a new civilization. 

That the public give a loyal manifestation of 
devotion of our beloved country and unqualified 
support to our President in every effort to protect 
our country and preserve inviolate her freedom and 
sovereignity, is my watch word and if I were a 
newspaper editor, really, I would enforce it, by con- 
stant preaching. 

I don't see why we allowed ourselves to be jeop- 
ardized by another nation — Germany, the Imperial 
Government. They have not respected the right of 
the United States, and violated her submarine war- 
fare pledge to the United States, and disrespected 
our rights on the high seas. 

Why, my dear friend, we are the laughing stock 
all over Europe. We act as though we are afraid 
to get into any bad graces with that Imperial Gov- 
ernment — Germany. They are no more than an 
animal bunch trying to show their strength. If 
America does not act, then Germany will, when the 
war is over. 

You seem to think that England is trying to get 
us into the calamity, so as to reduce our progress 
and advancement in the commercial and civilized 
world. You seem to fear that England is trying to 
get an overhand by indirect undercover methods. 



174 The American Heart 

You seem to look askance upon our entry into the 
war, because you feel that England is working to- 
gether with Japan, and after the European war, 
England and Japan with Mexico will destruct our 
well built nation. 

I can't say anything about that as the censor will 
destroy my letter and it will never get to you. As it 
is, my news is one month late because of its dis- 
tance, and time to get to you. 

But I can say, that no matter what the motives 
of the other countries may be, for the present, we 
must regard the immediate future and prepare for the 
far off future. I feel that after this war, we won't 
want another for a century. No country will, not 
even those we have suspicion of. We must inaugu- 
rate our Peace Congress as soon as we give Germany 
her lesson and we must form resolutions that will 
be iron bound and not flexible. 

We must tear down the barriers erected by 
prejudice and jealousy, and when one country acts 
against civilization, all countries must act regard- 
less of the nation that suffered the immediate loss. 
We must all bear arms against the country that 
wants to use her surplus energy in that way. Would 
not Germany have had her lesson, if at the beginning 
of the war, all the nations would have stood firm 
against her and directed her to lay down her arms 
or be broken? We prided ourselves with keeping 
the peace, but how can we rejoice when people over 
in Europe are suffering and standing for indignities 
that is entirely unbecoming for a nation in this 
advanced era. 

The men in the trenches feel that this war means 
a better and clearer understanding for the future. 
We are going to be more sympathetic with each 



The American Heart 175 

other and we are going to feel that might does not 
make right, but that knowledge is power and some 
day, we shall see prevailing in every discussion a 
spirit of harmony, co-operation, record, unity and 
love. 

We soldiers feel that way towards each other. We 
love the French boys, as we understand each other 
and we feel that we have the same purpose at heart. 
But love between nations is not as individuals — after 
all each loves one. I love you. 

Your devoted friend, 

Frank. 

On Board. 
Dear Kitty: 

I know 3^ou are interested in all of us boys, but 
as much as I tried to make you feel yourself not as 
a "big" sister, as you term yourself, but as the little 
girl devoted to me, only, I might say right here 
that I am yet going to win you. 

Men have tried in their own way, catering to you. 
I am the cave-man you are so anxious to meet. You 
amuse me, when you say that you are the lion- 
hearted or the unconquerable. I'll prove to you that 
I am that mental cave-man. 

Now I know what real fog-banks are. This 
morning, when I got up at four o'clock to take 
w^atch I couldn't see twenty feet in front of me and 
we were in a driving rain, I got into trouble, right 
off the bat. We had been ordered by the flagship 
to take "dipsey" soundings every thirty minutes. 
Several times I thought I saw a sub — but it was only 
a whale. Heard the S. O. S. signal from some 
vessel that gave its name in code, nothing more. As 



176 The American Heart 

she didn't send her position we couldn't do anything. 
A few minutes ago, we passed bits of wreckage and 
four life preservers. 

Gosh! Some storm, wind, about two hundred 
miles an hour. Maybe she doesn't roll. Eating is 
surely a problem. The dishes will not stay on the 
table, and most of the time is spent dodging cups 
of coffee. It is an interesting game to divert food 
•and drink down one^s neck inside, instead of out, 
and eternal vigilance is the price of a stomachful, 
instead of a lapful. All but three of the crew have 
been sick. For three days we have had our meals 
standing up, hanging on by one hand to a stanchion 
or post and to a plate of sandwiches with the other. 
Tables and benches are useless. The storm is over 
and a streak of sunlight across the water appears 
like a silver road between the rippling waves. I 
compare it to you where I am concerned. Be my 
light and joy and know now as you will eventually 
that I am your hero. 

Harry. 

And Dick, bless his heart, v^as interested 
enough to send me a part of his diary and ac- 
tually sent me the original diary. 

June 14. — This ship is a small sized vessel and 
has been in use on trips to Jacksonville and back 
to New York. It holds about 1,100 men. They 
are located all over the ship and most of them are 
placed below water level. They come upon deck 
and it is crowded all day and everywhere. Can 
hardly get to my hospital. We stayed in the harbor 
all night and left the U. S. A. the next day. 

June 16. — The ship has started to roll and to pitch 



The American Heart 177 

and I can see that the crowd is getting smaller 
Of course I know the cause. I feel funny myself. 
The day is wonderfully clear and warm. All we 
can see are masses of water in every direction and 
exceptionally colored. The sun is at its "highest" 
and the scenery is wonderful. The other transports 
are in a line and the convoy is all around us. Wit- 
nessed my first sundown at sea. Pretty. It re- 
minds me that we are but playthings on these power- 
ful waters and I am trying to figure out how many 
a ship has met its Waterloo. 

The silhouettes of the other transports were beau- 
tiful to look at. Cool breezes began to sweep over 
our decks. Our men were leaving the places of 
new wonders and went below to their berths. Every- 
thing is surrounded by absolute darkness. No one 
is allowed to smoke any more. The torpedo boat 
destroyers have taken their places on our right and 
left, the cruiser is leading us, manifestically guiding 
us through the dangers which it is supposed to see, 
hear and witness. The rules are observed with the 
utmost care. The orders of the commanders are 
carried out quickly and skillfully. The last signal 
reached every ship and most of the Sammies were 
in dreamland. Few of the officers were still roam- 
ing around. But they also disappeared and there 
was no one except the officer of the deck, the quar- 
termaster who was steering with knowledge, the 
engineer way down in the ship, and those were the 
only three which had to care for the many on the 
ship. Of course the firemen, the coal passers, 
water-tenders, soldiers and sailors were on watches. 
The engines were pounding away with a steady mo- 
tion and singing us to sleep. The waters are black 



178 The American Heart 

and every once in awhile I see the phosphorus 

particles glare up. Good night. 

June 26. — The trip has been monotonous lately, 
although the weather was wonderfully warm. We 
are completing our trip and have been 12 days on 
water. It is funny to go to bed one night with hopes 
that you will see land the next day. All kinds of 
bets are going on and still nothing in sight. Our 
boys are longing to have some excitement. Noth- 
ing doing. 

Hurray — the alarm sounded. Something has hap- 
pened. The men are running on deck, commands are 
being given at every place, the men are taking their 
stations at life boats, the sailors are ready for any 
emergency, the guns are pointing out in the wide sea, 
and, there, a shot. It was from our ship. But un- 
happily missed its object and there, another one, 
from the Antilles. And that was some shot. The 
fragments of the monster just flew all over. The 
soldiers and everybody who saw it, from every ship 
as if told to do so, cries were heard, everybody 
yelling as loud as they could cheers for the men 
who shot the sub. 

A torpedo boat was dispatched to locate some 
articles which would certify the submarine. But 
when they came back and reported that a whale was 
killed a general disappointment could be noticed. 
Anyway it proved that we were on the job and per- 
haps if some German sub commander peeped out 
and saw this little play he may have changed his 
mind. During the little time of excitement every 
soldier had his place assigned to him. They were 
calm and observed the strictest rules of obedience. 
We were in the war zone at this time perhaps one 
or two days ago. We v/ere as ignorant of our loca- 



The American Heart 179 

tion as a new born. In the afternoon I played chess 
and lost 10, won 6. The evening is the best one we 
had. The sky is clear, the stars are bright and the 
moon is shining down on us with a full face. To- 
night we must sleep with our clothes on. 

Some do not take the trouble to go down to sleep 
they just spend their night on deck, and use the 
life preserver as pillows. Some started the rumor 
that we are reaching the place of our destination. By 
twelve o'clock we saw lights way off in the distance 
and I judged that perhaps we had about 20 knots 
to make. It was two o'clock in the morning and 
still no land. Everybody was awake until then but 
they all gave up hopes and retired at an early hour. 
I think it was about three o'clock — just the time 
when I tried to dream of Kitty. Good night. 

June 27. — We are in France at last. Of course 
nobody knows the place or its location. We don't 
care as long as we get off. But it is not so. We 
are the last ones to go in the docks and it is almost 
noon. We have to go through the city and every- 
body is impatiently waiting for the sight of the town. 
We are pulled in by small French tugs. Gosh, 
there's a mob waiting to greet us. The streets at 
the docks called quay in French are crowded. 
Women, children and men of all classes are cheering 
and I can hear distinctly the Vivi I'Amerique. I 
am talking from the ship with a charming little 
chicken in my broken French. She is giving me her 
address and invites me to come to their house. Her 
mother is with her. The rest of the people are 
throwing apples, pears, cherries to us on the ship. 
The locks have been brought to a level with the 
sea and we are going further. The ropes are thrown 
overboard and we are tight up to the lock. No one 



180 THE American Heart 

is allowed to go out or leave the ship without a pass 
and there's no pass. That was a clever thing from 
the commanding officer. Dinner was served but 
no one thought of eating. The band from the 18th 
Infantry came down and played for us from 7:00 
p. m. to 8:00 p. m. We are still confined to the 
ship. 

June 28. — The troops are ready to leave the ship. 
They are marching to a camp three miles out of 
town. At noon I had liberty and to town I went. 
It is a province place and must have been a nice 
city in times of peace. The population of this place 
is about 20,000 or 25,000. The women are dressed in 
black and I can see many Belgian refugees. The 
women are working and take the places left vacant 
by their husbands, brothers, etc. They ride bicycles 
here and all look very healthy. I think that com- 
paring them with our office girls, these women are 
physically very strong. Some handle tough jobs. 
I located the girl's house after a little struggle and 
had to stay for dinner. They told me that their 
father is a doctor and with the French army in the 
trenches. He has been serving with them for three 
years. My knowledge of a little French is coming 
in handy. 

There is something I want to say about how those 
fellows get along without knowing French. If they 
happen to be in a saloon called Caffee, they draw 
a picture of a glass filled with beer. Or they go to 
a barber they move their fingers across their hair 
and if they want to be shaved then they motion to 
their face. The French people are crazy about our 

cigarettes and even women enjoy them very much. 
The town is rather clean and the appearance is not 
bad. At 9 o'clock every soldier must be in camp. 



The American Heart 181 

Of course I have to be on ship, too. I went to an- 
other place during my stay and saw plenty of Ger- 
man and Austrian prisoners. Knowing German 
I spoke to a German officer and asked him what 
he thought of the American. He would not believe 
that America had sent troops to France, because 
he was under the impression that Germany would 
prevent us from coming over. Finally, I succeeded 
in telling him that Germany will know us a little 
better when we get started. 

July 2.— On our way back to the U. S. A. Weather 
is still warm and favors us. Aeroplanes are scout- 
ing the air and waving us their "Bon Voyage." The 
Fourth of July was spent in the war zone and we 
was anxious to celebrate by getting a sub. The 
trip was lonesome because nothing serious has 
happened. The crew which consists of civilians and 
sailors were keeping their eyes on the waters. I 
also volunteered my services during the night hours. 
At last we were coming nearer to the Old Glory 
and w^hen we saw our Statue of Liberty our hearts 
were overjoyed. The sailors and the crew were 
paid off the next day. Everybody who had a pass 
left for home except myself. I strolled around the 
City of New York getting acquainted with the city. 
The trip was ended on the 13th day of July, 1917. 

The boys across the sea, they say 

Are very lonesome, quite; 
But boys you see most every day. 
Are lonesome every night. 

You, see, nobody stops to think 
Of just a common guy; 



182 The American Heart 

Of whether he may swim or sink, 
Or groan, or smile, or sigh. 

But he has sentimental spells. 

The same as Soldier Sam; 
He dreams of girls and wedding bells, 

But don't know what they "am." 

Once in a while he happens to 
Meet some fair lass, by chance. 

And, should she listen, hurries through 
His first and last romance. 

For him there is no little girl 
Back home, of whom to dream; 

He treasures up no little curl. 
To kiss by candle-gleam. 

He's just a "mutt" one of the race. 

And somehow he gets by. 
He wears a non-expressive face. 

He'll neither curse nor cry. 

But I believe these lonesome ones 

Will yet rewarded be; 
They're all our good God's well-loved sons, 

And o'er that ancient sea. 

Between this world and other lands. 
There waits for each his own. 

And through the groves of other lands 
Stray in that joyous zone. 

And it may be that centuries 
Shall pass, ere this shall come — 



The American Heart i83 



Ere, on an evening's gentle breeze 
Will sound the loves' soft hum. 

As someone asks, "Do you love me?" 
I answer, "Sweetheart, yes!" 

And then a dream no more 'twill be, 
But just delightfulness. 

Yes, my dear, it is ever so. 

Love will help to beat the foe; 

So consent, and marry me. 

So love and joy our lives will be. 



Jarvis. 



Oh, after all, I read the letters which they 
all sent me, Raymond, Lou, Herbert, Frank, 
Harry, Dick, Jarvis — fine men — wonderful men 
— yet one his letters, we are always disagreeing, 
always scrapping. He loves me, I am indiffer- 
ent. Give me one of his letters — only Billy's. 

But as the sun was setting one June day in 
1917, and the whippoorwill added an accompani- 
ment to my thoughts, my mood was receptive for 
anything serene and peaceful. War was raging 
in France, and America, too, was an ally. 

And I, in England — in that great city of Lon- 
don — prepared to meet conditions and to give 
a helping hand to our Allied women. 

Back of the English lines in France and Bel- 
gium, and at all the naval and military bases in 
England, the blue or khaki uniformed girl is 
becoming as accustomed a figure as the sol- 



184 The American Heart 

dier. And the first is as essential to the win- 
ning of the war as the second. The soldier goes 
into the trenches, or splashes with the artillery 
across the mud that is Northern France, but the 
girl — known everywhere the army is as the waac 
— stays behind the lines, keeps accounts for the 
ordnance cooks and decodes and answers the 
telephone, thereby releasing a man for the front. 

The sun was sinking lower and lower and I 
thought that it is not enough to simply send a 
man to the front ; but that w^e women must train 
ourselves to do a man's work, so that we can 
take a man's place in any calling — no matter 
how obscure or laborious. The waacs and wrens 
are doing just that, and have done it so suc- 
cessfully that the government is now recruiting 
women into their ranks at the rate of 10,000 a 
month for home and overseas service. 

The soft summer breezes were gentle and 
soothing and I could no longer think of war — 
war — war. The vibrations of memory had a 
stronger sway over me and I could think of all 
my friends who have so loyally sacrificed good 
homes, positions, friends and all for democracy. 

Above all, I am thinking of Billy. I have not 
heard from him since November, 1914, and it is 
over two years ago that he declared his undying 
devotion for me. I heard from him when he 
was in the German trenches, forced to fight for 
a monarch whose power was detrimental to the 



The American Heart 185 

development of humanity, and instrumental in the 
temporary fall of civilization. 

My very conscience in all was disturbed and 
I could do nothing until I could get some infor- 
mation of Billy. Just why I thought of him 
and suddenly became so interested was mani- 
fested by my activities. My strong sense of jus- 
tice, my earnest desire for the promotion of 
loyalty, my passion to break up a wrong, all led 
me to the pinnacle of trying to eradicate any 
danger for Billy. 

We are not neutral — we can't be if we are 
human beings and worthy of being called Ameri- 
cans. We must not allow such downright ac- 
tions on the part of an inferior lot of inhumans 
as the German people to disturb our peace and 
tranquility ! Man must seek a man's rights under 
a man's flag. If we do not protect his life and 
property under our emblem, under what emblem 
would we expect protection? We must avenge 
the loss of innocent lives. 

"But, Billy, how did you get to England?" I 
questioned. But the manly form lay mutilated 
in a state of unconsciousness. 

The nurse, who was his only companion for 
three months, had very little to say, regarding 
his whereabouts. 

"He is unconscious," she murmured, as she 
looked at me and wondered why I was inter- 
ested. 



186 The American Heart 

"Yes, I see, and I feel sorry," I said, as I pro- 
duced a card from my pocket. "Here, take this 
and leave it, please. I will call again." 

The nurse, the healer of the wound, looked 
at the card and repeated, "Kitty, Kitty." As 
though she understood and read between the 
lines, she watched her ward. 

I never felt so sad in my life as I summoned 
my chauffeur to hurry back to my castle. Why 
did I feel it so keenly ? I felt responsible for his 
condition. 

In a few days I was again at the hospital. He 
moved, he looked, he saw. He stared — ^he recog- 
nized me. 

His brow folded up into* a hundred fine 
wrinkles and his weak hand outstretched to take 
mine, as he tried to say something. With re- 
newed effort he whispered, "Kitty, you have 
really come to me !" 

What a predicament I was in! I knew that 
his condition caused me to be sympathetic, yet, 
regardless of all his commendable qualities, I 
did not love him. 

"Kitty," he pleaded, "just lean toward me and 
let me kiss you." 

"Kiss me?" I held the dear boy's hand and 
meditated, as his anxious eyes met mine. Here 
I stood at the bedside of a man who loved me 
and yet, as much as I wished to feel it, recipro- 



The American Heart 187 

cate, I could not. Would I be fair to myself 
or to him were I to yield to his demand? 

"Do," he paused, "I love you." 

Oh, heart ! Oh, conscience ! What should I 
do? The silent voice from regions unknown 
seemed to direct vibrations of advice — yea, make 
him happy, as love and kindness will go farther 
and yield more happiness than all the haughtiness 
and asperity that we could possibly assume. 

At last I touched the very lips that repeatedly 
uttered his devotion to me. 

"Do you care?" he asked, as he gathered his 
seemingly reserved energy and sat up in bed. 
His questioning countenance brought with it a 
new light. I understood, I felt, I conceded. 

"Yes, Billy, I do care — and a great deal. My 
better self is prompting me to return love as 
I really accepted it." 

Softly the time was passing. The nimbus 
clouds darkened by the natural atmosphere of 
an oncoming storm threatened the poor but bright 
circus clouds. 

And thus was Billy a member of the Royal 
Flying Corps. While convalescing he told me 
of the sensations^ the thrills and development 
of the aeroplane which is an advanced step 
towards the futherance of civilization is mani- 
festly perfected. It is most remarkable to con- 
ceive of a 200-pound motor which requires the 
help of three men to lift and place in the plane, 



188 The American Heart 

to be elevated by power and inventive genius, 
and fly over the heights under absolute control. 

The science of the machine itself is known 
and all it will ever accomplish will not be much 
more than the same appliances to an automobile 
on the earth. I mean that little improvements, 
such as more horsepower or less fuel, and larger 
machines for more passengers, new models for 
better convenience and little additions which bet- 
ter the ordinary handling of it. The machine 
in the air will meet the same criticisms and shall 
be perfected in due time. 

The fact that our aviators are killed and no 
reason can be given, would compel the public 
to look into the matter and agree that the absent 
quality must be discovered. What is that fac- 
tor unknown to us? It is the inevitable study 
of the conditions of the air which only civi- 
lization can decipher. If the machine is good 
and the aviator keen in connection with its very 
movements, then what can it be that sends the 
sky explorer down to his death? 

Just as we have quicksand in the earth, and 
as little as scientists know the recognition of it 
and the solution to avoid it, so have we whirl- 
pools in the air which civilization must teach us 
to control. 

The currents in the air similar to the cur- 
rents of the tide, invite the aviator to sail along 
with the sway of least resistance, which, fol- 



The American Heart 189 

lowed, will bring him to cross-paths of cur- 
rent, creating a vacuum, and causing the im- 
mediate estoppel of breath, thus killing the avia- 
tor before he loses control of the machine. The 
whirlpool is invariably responsible for the death 
of the aviators. The safest method is to grind 
the engine against the wind and that drawing 
current. People are under the impression that 
the machine is responsible for the sudden de- 
scent of the flyer. No, it is that vacuum in the 
air, and when mastered by a human being, then 
civilization is with us. 

Could I possibly be the climax of a man's 
ambition? And Billy repeatedly told me of his 
hopes concerning me. So for many days did 
I come and comfort the dear boy, who found 
my presence assisted in his rapid recovery, and 
when he was entirely well told me of his many 
experiences. 

"But how I escaped Germany was my greatest 
feat. First, let me tell you what a German 
prison camp is like. From a prisoner's view- 
point, it would be a matter of magnifying the 
smallest faults, but from the stand that I take 
I have not been captured, but compelled to serve. 

"As long as prisoners remain orderly there is 
no particular brutality, no clubbing with guns 
or stabbing with bayonets. The food is in- 
sufficient, and the continued subsistence upon 
a German prison fare alone has most grievous 



190 THE AMERICAN HEART 

effects upon the health. Only the Red Cross 
and Y. M. C. A. supplies are keeping the pris- 
oners alive at some confinement places. Bran- 
denburg, where about 70,000 prisoners of Allied 
nations were kept, was the worst camp I en- 
countered. This is in Prussia, not far from 
Berlin. Duelman, in Westphalia, was bad 
enough, although the treatment was better at 
IvUebeck, which is not a camp, but a port, where 
prisoners work on the water front, and condi- 
tions were not bad at all. 

"The German soldiers guarding the prisoners 
were far worse off there than the captives. Re- 
lief organizations keep the prisoners supplied 
with enough food and clothes to get along with, 
and the middle-aged guards, half starving and 
in patches, beg supplies from the captive ene- 
mies. 

"The fellows at Luebeck are sick and dis- 
gusted with war. They would often say, 'Look 
at us, without enough to eat or wear ! The 
Kaiser's no damned good ! He's crazy ! Ger- 
many's starving and licked, yet he keeps on fight- 
ing!' 

"The camp consisted of a lot of low, wooden, 
unpainted shacks, with plain board floors. 
Around the walls ran bunks, one above another. 
Each bunk had a bag of straw for a mattress 
and two medium weight blankets. There were 
four of these shacks in each enclosure at Duel- 



The American Heart I9l 

man. Each enclosure held about 1,000 prison- 
ers, and had a 12-foot barbed wire fence around 
it, with the wire at the top bent inward so you 
couldn't get over. 

How many of these enclosures there were, 
each with its four shacks, I don't know, but I 
was told there were 50,000 prisoners. Then 
there was another barbed wire fence, higher and 
thicker, on the outside of a roadway which ran 
c! round the entire camp. Every 200 feet around 
this barrier was a sentry box and a sentry. In- 
side of each smaller enclosure there were two 
armed guards, marching back and forth. 

"The nationalities were all separated. The 
French prisoners were kept by themselves. They 
seemed to get the worst treatment. The Rus- 
sians were by themselves and the Americans were 
kept w^ith the English. Nobody got what you 
would call good treatment. 

"For breakfast every morning we got a piece 
of bread an inch and a half thick and about four 
inches square and one tin cup of what they 
called coffee, but I'd call it good water spoiled. 
I don't know what they made it of, but it was 
rotten, bitter stuff and not even very hot. 

"For dinner and supper we had the same 

thing every day — turnip soup, with mighty few 

turnips in it. We never had anything else. No 
meat, no potatoes, no bread, even, except at 

breakfast. You could take the turnip soup or 



192 The American Heart 

starve. It was just enough to keep you alive. 
Some of the fellows got so weak they'd have 
to be carried to the hospital. There they'd get 
nourishing food for a few days, but as soon as 
they were a little stronger they'd be sent out 
of the hospital. There wasn't much of what 
you'd call real suffering at Duelman, and the 
guards were decent enough, but it wasn't much 
of a life. The Duelman guards said they -did 
not have to bow to the kaiser, only the Prus- 
sians did, and they said they had some sort 
of a ruler of their own in Westphalia. 

"Later the captives of the Woevre were sent 
from Duelman to the notorious camp at Bran- 
denburg, which is on the river, between Berlin 
and Magdeburg. Again they had an all-night 
trip without food and were crowded into narrow 
wooden benches in the worst sort of cars. 

"Here we had Prussians for guards, and they 
were wicked devils. The camp was the same 
sort of a place as Duelman, with barbed wire 
inner enclosures, and then a roadway circling 
the whole camp and barred on the outside with 
wire. At Duelman a count would be taken only 
twice a day, but at Brandenburg they gave the 

count a dozen times. They were kept standing 

barefoot in the snow for hours until some major 

would come up and verify the final count. The 

Prussians hauled and shoved the prisoners 



The American Heart 193 

around like cattle, although not one was stabbed 
or struck who didn't deserve it. 

"There was one big colonel in the outfit who 
stood nearly seven feet tall. He said that if a 
certain guard shoved him again he was going 
to slam him, gun or no gun. And he did. He 
caught that Fritz under the chin and knocked 
him twenty feet, and cold. Three other guards 
then beat up the big fellow with the butts of 
their guns and kicked most of his teeth out. 
Then he was taken away and put in a dark 
hole somewhere. 

'*At Brandenburg the same food was given. 
The strongest were made to work on farms 
outside the enclosure, clearing the ground for the 
spring planting, but got no better food than 
the rest. 

'*If we wanted to wash we would go down to 
the edge of the river — there was a barbed wire 
fence ten feet out from the shore — and scrub our 
clothes or ourselves in the ice-water. That was 
the only way. When some of the boys arrived 
at the camp they had pieces of soap in their 
possession, saved from their own ship, but I 
was so eager to get this, not having any soap 
of my own, that I would trade a whole loaf of 
bread for a little piece. 

"Two American fellow^s, over whom I had 
watch, took a chance on escaping and dug a long 
tunnel leading to the outside and farthest wire 



194 The American Heart 

fence. My position was changed later and I 
was sorry not to have been there, as I really 
helped them. What happened to them after I 
left I don't know. I never heard of them again 
after the night I left. 

"We nearly froze to death at Brandenburg. 
There were small stoves in the huts, but they 
didn't begin to warm them. The blankets — you 
could see through them ! We were all covered 
with insects ; had to have our clothes fumigated 
every two weeks, but in a couple of days we'd 
be as bad as ever. 

"The only visitor I ever saw was the Dutch 
Ambassador, who came to look out for the in- 
terests of the Britishers. He wouldn't talk to 
the Americans at all. He promised to have 
things improved, but I never saw any improve- 
ment. 

"I was about ready to take a desperate 
chance for escape when they asked for volun- 
teers to work on the docks at Luebeck. They 
made the same offer to the prisoners and said 
that they would give them boots, better clothes 
and a mark a day for wages. The prisoners 
who thought it was better than Brandenburg 
volunteered. 

"The clothes they gave were black uniforms 

with yellow stripe down the pants and a yellow 

band fitted into the sleeve with a number and 



The American Heart 195 

the word, 'Kriegsgefangeneulager' — war pris- 
oner — on them. 

"They gave better foot-wear, but one was 
just as likely as not to get one boot and one 
shoe, or both of different sizes. When they 
half-soled a shoe they did it with the upper part 
of an old boot. They had scarcely any leather 
at all. Some wore wooden shoes to keep their 
feet off the ground. 

"Every week a box of 'goodies' was sent to the 
prisoners by the Y. M. C. A. It had fruit, tea, 
bacon, cigars, and tobacco. The poor guards, al- 
though with loaded rifles, beg for food. Such 
are the conditions in Germany. Several times I 
tried to escape, but could not see my way clear. 
One prisoner was working in a shipyard distant 
from Luebeck, and managed to elude his guard 
at nightfall. He struck out overland, but his 
prison uniform revealed him and two days later 
he was captured and returned. For the offense 
of trying to escape he was given nineteen days 
in the 'black hole,' with only a piece of bread a 
day to eat. Also a big German guard 'took a 
couple of cracks' at his face. 

"The Spanish Ambassador came to see the 
Americans and promised to send books and cloth- 
ing, but I never saw any of them. They did 
begin to put a few potatoes into the turnip soup, 
and occasionally they put about five pounds of 
meat into the soup supply for three hundred men. 



196 



The American Heart 



"One prisoner made up his mind to take an- 
other chance on a get-away. The ships they were 
loading were plying between Luebeck and Swed- 
ish ports, and I thought I might hide on one of 
these. They carried mostly salt fertilizer to 
Sweden, though sometimes some coal and coke, 
and they brought back pig-iron and ore. I never 
saw them bring in any foodstuffs. Sometimes 
the German ships would go out carrying barbed 
wire and iron rods for the trenches on the Rus- 
sian front. Then went to Riga. 

"There was one boat, the Undine, which trav- 
eled between Luebeck and a Swedish port named 
Norrkoping, regularly. One Swede, with whom 
I got acquainted, told me that one fellow had 
made his get-away to Norrkoping by concealing 
himself in the hold. 

"Every morning the guard would get together 
an early working crew of twelve men at four 
o'clock. He would take them on board while it 
was dark, to get the hatches ready for the oth- 
ers. One morning one of the prisoners not in 
this squad hid himself in the hallway where they 
always lined up. The guard counted his twelve, 
and then in the darkness, this prisoner joined 
them. As they climbed aboard the Undine he 
didn't know he had thirteen, instead of twelve. 
He was a bone-headed German, anyhow. 

"This prisoner arranged with his pal that he 
should go to a certain hold and hustle down the 



The American Heart 197 

ladder. Then he was to pull the tarpaulin over 
the top, to make it look as if it hadn't been dis- 
turbed. That afternoon the Undine sailed and 
I learned that the prisoner escaped. 

"While in the capacity of guard I watched and 
learned. Every opportunity for an escape had 
my anxious attention. 

"After I gained the confidence of my brutal 
superiors, I was detailed to stand watch on the 
frontier. The border line gave me an oppor- 
tunity to get into Holland. There I met a friend 
from college, who listened to my story and prom- 
ised to help me to escape and because I acted 
as — on sick leave I took advantage of my fur- 
lough, and with leaping heart, I bravely took 
the final step. Desertion or treason such as I 
practiced would mean death, should I have failed 
in my enterprise. 

"Holland, a neutral country, has given me 
my opportunity to prove my conscience as a 
loyal American. My friend, who was a captain 
in the Royal Flying Corps, enrolled me in his 
service and immediately I felt myself a free 
American once again, although I was in a British 
uniform. 

" Bang — shot — shot — shot — bang — right 

into the heartless Hun — the bochc. 

"I fought my first battle, but was soon 
wounded, and thank God — you, my dear, came to 
.see me to tell me vou care. I felt that I wa^ 



198 The American Heart 

going back to you some day, but as an American 
and never a German." 

The days passed quietly on, but every now 
and then Billy would ask how I spent my time. 
The variety of work for a girl during warfare 
is so great that I have taken part in almost 
everything. 

"You dear girl," he affectionately whispered, 
"you are bigger than you appear." 

His very eyes made me feel a strange, de- 
pendent attitude, as he inquired as to my work 
for the army and navy. 

"Yes, Billy, but this war is going to make 
America a place for Americans." 

War is sad. I never thought we would) live in 
this age, when anxiety for "his" return would 
be realization. Oh, mothers of the age, I fully 
appreciate. It is not your will, it is not your de- 
sire, it is not ambition to send mourning and 
misery into hearts of the mothers of boys we 
call our enemies. No, it is not your design, but 
sacrifice is the keynote. If we wish our country 
to be ruthlessly invaded by a power that is seek- 
ing dominion over the earth, let us keep back 
our sons, let us hold our boys to our own apron 
strings, let us maintain a new spirit of "I don't 
care." Women in the past, those we read about, 
had hearts, had imaginations, wanted quiet, un- 
disturbed homes, but in 1776, they were suffer- 
ing for us, although we may not realize it, they 



The American Heart 199 

were truly sending their boys to the battle field, 
not because they loved them less than we do our 
sons, not because their mother feelings were dif- 
ferent than today, but the future of a free coun- 
try where you and I and everybody who chose 
this country, is living and enjoying a freedom, 
worthy to be preserved for the next generation. 
"Yes, I have been working for the Red Cross, 
knitting several scarfs, and look here is one — 
especially for you. A scarf with your initials 
on it. The days of our grandmothers have been 
revived. Knitting is still a woman's work even 
ii there are some firemen and others, who dur- 
ino- their leisure hours devote their time to that 
indoor sport. 

"Then you know I have the distinction of 
possessing a medal, which was given to me for 
patriotic service. I procured over 10,000 recruits 
for the army and navy." 

It was a difficult task, but the results and the 
amusements made it very enjoyable. It was m 
the summer, last July, when I spoke from the 
steps of the Public Library at 42nd Street and 
Fifth Avenue. After the facts were presented, 
I asked each man to feel that I was talking to 
him individually. The general attitude was sin- 
cere, as each man fixed his gaze upon me and 
looked up as though a word dare not be missed. 
I could tell that my audience wanted to be en- 
lightened and directed as to what should be 



200 The American Heart 

done. After the heads nodded affirmatively 
in answer to my question, ''Does the country 
need you?" I pointed my finger at one man 
and said /'Why don't YOU enlist?" He became 
the cynosure of all eyes. The good fellow, who 
was of the "stuff" that Uncle Sam wanted and 
needed and still needs, looked at me in amaze- 
ment, and stood still. My hand outstretched and 
my finger directed at him was so unexpected 
that he stood motionless and simply stared. I 
repeated my question. 

He asked, "Who, me?" 

"Yes— YOU," I assured him. 

Again he asked a question that made me feel 
that America must move quicker. 

"YOU," I replied, and this time I was quite 
determined. Looking to the left and then to 
the right, and still pointing at himself as if I 
did not know who I meant, he quickly noticed 
that I was all sincerity; that I meant what I 
said. In the midst of the expectant audience 

"Because each and every man who is a United 
States citizen and accepts every offering that 
the country can give, such as protection of life 
and property, should defend the country when 
her peace is threatened." 

The men in my audience didn't seem to real- 
ize that I meant them individually. Somehow 
they appeared so unconcerned and indifferent, 
I felt that they thought they were simply on 



The American Heart 201 

the outside looking in. In the beginning, it was 
difficult to overcome the prejudices that our 
hyphenated-Americans had for the Allied coun- 
tries. I actually had to use persuasion and plead- 
ing to make the people realize that the country is 
at war. Throughout my recruiting, I found 
it necessary to impress upon people that Ameri- 
canism should be the keynote of every act and 
thought. When Germany was at war only with 
England, France and Italy, there may have 
been some Americans who sympathized with 
Germany. But now when our country is at war 
with Germany, there should be only one stand 
taken by every patriotic man and woman re- 
gardless of his or her racial ancestry. He, who 
i.^ not Vv'ith us, is against us. Each of us who call 
ourselves American citizens must choose either 
to be loyal citizens or traitors. 

A woman, to be a successful recruiter must 
appeal to her listeners from a womanly stand- 
point. The more effeminate her appeal the more 
the heart-strings are pulled. It depends entirely 
upon her own effectiveness and powers whether 
she gets him to volunteer and gladly offer him- 
self, or whether he is left to ask himself, "What's 
the use?" 

Each man must be made to feel that he is 
the only one that can defend his country. I 
firmly believe he is. To defend is a man's 
job ; to protect is a woman's duty. Man, in my 



202 The American Heart 

opinion, was and still is to be regarded as the 
defender and protector. That being the case, 
we women are now calling upon men, to pro- 
tect our country in these critical times so that 
with the help of God and the right, our women 
may be spared the lot of the helpless innocent 
Belgium women. The ruthless and savage in- 
vasion of Belgium by the German army, dis- 
closed to the whole world what we might suffer 
at the hands of German military domination. 
We should thank God that we are fig-hting 
abroad because in fighting "over there," we 
are saving our own beloved soil from, being 
drenched with patriotic blood ; we are saving 
our own American homes from the shot and 
shell of the Kaiser's hosts ; we are saving our 
American women and children from death and 
dishonor which the Belgium women and chil- 
dren have experienced. 

Women in recruiting appeal to men wlio 
want to join the colors that they must realize 
that they are needed now. 

At one of my meetings I asked a man to 
enlist and he looked at me in such amazement 
that the very loyal fibres within me began to 
quiver and stimulate excitement. His lack of 
response yet his questioning countenance brought 
the same command, "ENLIST," and like a good 
many men I have met, who are actually stupid 
or pretend that they are, he looked at me and 



The American Heart 203 

questioned so seriously ; "Enlist now with the 
war going on ?" 

Men must wake up and realize our present 
situation is like a contagious disease. You must 
go to the root of the evil and destroy every ves- 
tige of a single germ. We want men now and 
not when the war is over. We want decent, 
self-respecting honorable men to represent our 
country. 

In recruiting, I emphasize the fact that each 
man should feel honor bound to volunteer his 
everything — his life for his country. 

My next question to my audience is, "How 
many here have tried to enlist ?" 

Many hands would go up and after asking 
why they were not in uniform the answer would 
be "rejected." 

So, I proceeded with the statement "Those 
who would, can't and those who could, won't." 

Acceptance by Uncle Sam should be a badge 
of honor to every man. The reasons are two- 
fold: 

First. A man who can pass the physical 
examination should be proud to know that he is 
physically perfect. 

Second. That he should be asked to shield 
democracy, so that future generations might 
enjoy the freedom of liberty and preserve that 
sacred principle for which our forefathers fought 
to secure. 



204 The American Heart 

Should the artist be exempt from military 
duty ? Every person would grant that the neces- 
sity of preserving a country, the art should be 
given first preference, as after all, what is it 
that determines the civilization of one nation and 
rates its significance accordingly? By artist, I 
mean the creators and original producers — 
painters, sculptors, architects, dramatists, musi- 
cal composers — those who are doing original and 
creative work, not merely as artisans, or people 
who dabble in the art for amusements, but peo- 
ple who express the character of the nation's 
spirit and development, and whose work makes 
literally the history of any country's progress. 

Should these men forsake their inspirations, 
lose ground among foreign competitors, render 
up their lives — their mere bodies, to the country's 
service along with the non-thinking undeveloped 
masses who are content to work in a department 
store basement year in and year out, or who at 
most are content to be street car conductors, or 
land shoremen? Should they come under the 
common ruling of a nation's indiscriminate edict ? 
Should the small wage earner, whose individ- 
uality and power of initiation has been sub- 
merged to the ringing in and out of the time 
clock, complain of these interpreters of hu- 
manity (as all creative artists are), when as 
a matter of fact, they should be taught to under- 
stand the balance of importance ? 



The American Heart 205 

The artists should be protected, shielded, and 
guarded in every way for reconstructive and 
regenerittive purposes. Since again, the works of 
these men are the pride and symbols of our na- 
tion's glory, and the beacon lights along the 
])aths of history, should they not be regarded as 
individuals rather than be regarded as belonging 
to the masses who have nothing to give in time 
of peace than mere pretense, and nothing more 
to give in war than their mere bodies? 

Of course, art is primarily the product of 
peace, as only plentiful and undisturbed condi- 
tions can produce expression of beauty and use- 
fulness. Since most artistic expressions are 
worked out in solitude and quiet of study, the 
laws governing these individuals are often over- 
looked by the law makers in Congress, whose 
work always deals in generalities and majorities. 

As a class, artists are the last to complain 
of an inappropriate or unconsidered legalities. 
They are generally the least demonstrative in 
public parades, mass meetings, — any public 
manifesto. Yet, artists are really concerned in 
their native country's welfare, though they are 
disregarded in many ways. Few artists resent 
because of their sensitive minds, they feel most 
keenly the sorrows of humanity. If artists are 
in their judgment, it is often towards the causes 
of humanity rather than the disturbances of polit- 
ical boundaries. Artists are often the most trulv 



206 The American Heart 

democratic, the most truly "inclusive" in their 
point of view, for in their work necessarily, they 
are as spokesmen which pronounce the feelings 
of all mankind. 

Their work often voices the cry of the down- 
trodden and shows the sham of the materially 
powerful and more often are their words signif- 
icant of plans worked out for the solution of 
these economic problems. Nothing exists today 
of the visible along the lines of beauty — parks, 
public buildings, dwelling, skyscrapers, sub- 
ways, bridges, smokeless engines, the mapping 
out of road ways, and diagrams of landscape 
gardening, and uncountable things, that have not 
first been conceived by the visionary eye of the 
artist. The man who paves the way deserves 
credit, and instead of looking upon the artists 
as upon a hampered class, they should be re- 
garded the forerunners in actual achievement. 

The artist is the man who stands at the prow 
of the ship of state pointing ever to the undiscov- 
ered zones of progress. It is he who sees the 
poetic and picturesque of our own errors and 
degradations. It is he who weaves the laurels 
of realizations. 

The artists should be regarded as individuals 
and not as a class. They are the ones whose 
private pursuits should be respected and be 
exempt from pertinent inquiry and curious in- 
vestigation. Of course there is difficulty in de- 



The American Heart 20? 

termining who is adding materially to the up- 
lift of a nation and who it is who is working 
commercially for only personal ends. This de- 
termining factor would have to be submitted to 
authorities selected perheips from leading uni- 
versities. 

The class of artists is small compared to the 
vast amount of work they accomplish. Would 
we not be serving the country in another great 
way, if a law would provide exemption of their 
military services ? 

Billy w^as so interested that the very essence 
of mankind could not be restrained. 

*'And what about your other work?" His 
keen interest in my undertakings, his gentle guid- 
ance over every step that I took, had a material 
effect upon me. 

I looked at him and continued in a way 
which might have appeared egotistical to anybody 
who had not his entire devotion upon me, upon 
my welfare, upon my work. At times he seemed 
so selfish and at other times so unselfish. 

Blow bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying — 
Autocracy is going; dying, dying, dying. 

Every American citizen fit to look the Statue 
of Liberty in the face should buy a Liberty 
Bond. We must buy Liberty Bonds because 
we can not afford to have Germany triumph 



208 The American Heart 

over us, even in financial matters. For Ger- 
many to win against us financially, would mean 
for us to be defeated from a military point of 
view. If Germany wins in the present war^ 
she could disarm the rest of Europe as a first 
move toward world dominion. With a disarmed 
Europe, Germany could collect sufficient ship- 
ping to carry across the Atlantic an overwhelm- 
ing force, and could in spite of us, throw a 
great army upon our coasts and in a number 
of our great cities. Europe disarmed could no 
more help us than the natives of central Africa 
eould. 

Our country is at war, we must realize the 
conditions even if we do not see bullets and 
bombs flying around. It seems like "olden 
times" but yet, when we look back, it is not so 
long ago that we fought for liberty and inde- 
pendence; it is not long since we fought for a 
principle so as to break the chain from a race 
in bondage and cause the bright sun of freedom 
to shine down upon the land made dark by slav- 
ery's cruel strife. The followers of our George 
Washington and Abraham Lincoln are here to- 
day following in the footsteps of our present 
leader Woodrow Wilson. 

Loyalty is the keynote of Americanism. The 
brave boys who are ever ready to sacrifice their 
bodies to the very last drop of blood are doing 
their "bit." Our self-sacrificing women con- 



The American Heart 209 

nected with the Red Cross and those in the work 
of service are to be commended for their earn- 
estness. There are a class of people, however, 
who are not in a position to give themselves up 
in the combined personal service. As Ameri- 
cans, who are enjoying the country's opportuni- 
ties these people can help by lending money to 
the Government. 

Our soldiers and sailors are the protectors of 
our country in time of war. They need food, so 
as to keep energy burning and the better they 
are fed, the safer it is for us : they need cloth- 
ing, to serve their useful purposes, they need 
medical attention when they sacrifice their bod- 
ies so that the future of this country shall live, 
they need comforts and other things, and the 
Government must pay. Bandages, absorbent cot- 
ton, disinfectants, drugs, medicines and all Red 
Cross appliances must be paid for by the Gov- 
ernment which is made up by the people. The 
children of our great country must help in the 
time of a great calamity. We do not ask for 
donations, we want you to assist us by buying 
Liberty Bonds. The Government is fair and cer- 
tainly trustworthy. We want ,you to invest 
your money in a bond, and when the war is 
drawing to an end, or later as the case may 
be, your money goes back to you with interest. 
Of course citizens will understand that now is 
the time. Do not delay. The United States is 



210 The American Heart 

your home, so protect it right with all your 
might. Don't stop to look, listen or read, but 
buy a Liberty Bond. Don't say, "let George 
do it," because George will do it for himself 
and not for you 

We are informed that the food situation in 
Germany is better than it was a year ago, be- 
cause financially, Germany lives in a circle, and 
can go on a long time spending her own money 
among her own people. A victorious German 
army could, easier than the confident patriotism 
of most Americans think possible, take New 
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and 
Chicago. It may surprise some of our citizens 
to learn that the German general staff has al- 
ready prepared exhaustive plans in blue prints 
for the taking of these American cities, when- 
ever German kultur and military necessities call 
for their capture. 

We have no grievance against German people. 
Like the rest of mankind, we have been edified 
by the products of its good and great men and 
women, but we do not accept German culture 
at the exorbitant price placed upon it by those 
who are at present offering it as an excuse for 
murder and disaster. But the German people 
minus kaiserism are a very decent lot of hu- 
mans. The spiritual life of a nation is of more 
importance than its culture, and spiritually, Ger- 
many is an extinct volcano. 



The American Heart 21 1 

The man who breaks into my house, kills a 
member of my family and robs me of my 
money, is a burglar, a murderer and a thief ; 
and the criminology of these acts is none the 
less because they are perpetuated by a whole 
nation on a tremendous scale and against an 
entire community. Even the culture of a crim- 
inal or a band of criminals is not a sufficient 
excuse for crime. It is a mistake for the Ger- 
mans or any other people to imagine that they 
have a monopoly of culture, civilization, or any 
other special advantage enjoyed by mankind. 
Every nation can justly boast of galaxy of good, 
wise, and talented men and women. It is a 
greater mistake for the Germans to attempt to 
inject their particular brand of culture by howit- 
zers, or to attempt to drop it in bomb capsules 
from Zeppelins upon the English and French 
who are fully as cultivated as any other nation 
in Europe. At any rate Americans do not ap- 
prove of culture by howitzers. 

Some people seem to be under the impres- 
sion that we are fighting England's war, but let 
me assure you that were it not for England's 
fleet, our Woolworth, Singer, Metropolitan and 
other skyscrapers would now be serving as a 
layer of sprinkled stones over the other ruined 
buildings and over the dead bodies of our men, 
women and children, including our able-bodied 
soldiers and sailors who were not given a chance 



212 The American Heart 

to defend themselves. Germany wants to con- 
trol the world and gain her end by force and 
militarism, but never will democracy fall for the 
unscrupulous tyrant, the kaiser. We are in a 
just war and now are fighting the battle that 
England, France and their Allies were fighting 
for us. 

Did you ever stop to realize that in 1776 we 
fought for liberty and independence against a 
German king seated on an English throne and 
today we are fighting a German king seated on 
a German throne who is seeking to deprive us of 
the rights won from George III. 

The ruthless and savage invasion of Belgium 
showed the whole world what America or any 
other country would suffer at the hands of Ger- 
man soldiers. There are some people who are 
so clamorous to fight on our own soil. But now 
is the time to realize that we are sending an 
army abroad to save the soil of our beloved 
country from being drenched with patriot blood; 
to save our American homes from the shot and 
shell of the kaiser's hosts ; to save our Ameri- 
can women and children from death and dis- 
honor suffered at the hands of a cruel and bar- 
barous enemy. 

When Germany's attention is called to the 
criminal invasion of Belgium, the wanton ruin 
of historic buildings and monuments of that 
country, the slaughter and violation of Belgian 



The American Heart 213 

women and children by the flower of the kai- 
ser's army, what is Germany's defense? Simply 
this : that the Belgians were foolish to oppose 
the German advance and that it would have been 
easier for them to have accepted compensation 
and allowed the German invasion. The argu- 
ment of ease and compensation appealed no more 
to King Albert and his people in 191', than 
such arguments appealed to George Washington 
and the American Colonists in 1776. 

There can be no attitude of compromise for 
an American today. He who is not for us, is 
against us. All of us who call ourselves Ameri- 
can citizens must choose either to be loyal citi- 
zens or traitors. If you are English, your 
duty is now with the English people. If you 
are French, your duty is in France. If you are 
Italian, your duty is to help Italy. If you are 
are an American, your duty is here to help. You 
must fight or you must help finance the Govern- 
ment to win. If your heart is with Germany, 
you have no right here so get out of the coun- 
try and take your place with the Huns, the 
tyrants, the kaiser. 

If you are an American, do your "bit." Now 
— enlist in the service or buy a Liberty Bond. 
Democracy will have to live 
Monev is needed, so GIVE. 

"Beautifully done," and so he kissed me, as 



214 The American Heart 

a reward for my work^ and I dare say I wanted 
no other. 

"As a member of the Royal Flying Squad, as 
a German by birth, as a prisoner in the enemy's 
camp, as a lover of the American's land, I 
want to accomplish one more ambition. I want 
to be a hero of an American heart." 

Nothing could have affected me more than 
to have seen the huge, manly man burst forth 
into tears. 

"Yes, forever shall wave over land and sea, 
The flag of our country, thank God we are free 
Let all foreign nations, respect it forever. 
To guard, and protect, will be our endeavor. 
In peace and in war, the grand red, white and blue 
With its stars and its stripes will ever be true 
And the Star Spangled Banner is here to stay 
1 ill the trumpet sounds on the great judgment day. 
Our Army and Navy, united as one 
Stand shoulder to shoulder, with rifle and gun 
We must honor our flag, with its increasing stars 
Each gains for our country a million hurrahs. 
Honest Abraham Lincoln, the greatest of all 
Still lives in our hearts, we can all hear his call 
To the land of your freedom be faithful and true 
Blending men of all nations, with the red, white and 
blue. 

That's the story of hell and war with the Spirit 
of 76. 

Again brought out in '64 — in freedom's cause we'll 
mix 



The American Heart 215 

And then again in '98 — the call ''Remember the 

Maine." 
Which brought the boys from every state — with 

honor they thrashed old Spain. 
And today— 1918— 
Our boys are "Over There" 
Such sights will never more be seen 
While our Flag floats in the air. 
Forever shall wave over land and sea, 
The Flag of our Country and sweet liberty. 
To guard and protect will be our endeavor 
With its Stars and Stripes it will ever be true. 
God bless you and keep you my Red, White and 

Blue. 
And the Star Spangled Banner is here to stay. 
'Till the trumpet sounds on the great judgment day. 

In 76 the Spirit was started 

What God joins together can never be parted. 

So stand up with pride with your head held up high 

And shout for Old Glory I'm willing to die. 

So, my stay in England was most pleasant, 
because I had the scales in front of me. War 
and misery balanced down the side and pulled 
with it every bit of happiness. When a new 
joy placed Billy on the other side, what a 
change ! What an overwhelming difference ! 
Happiness in one made me forget the troubles 
of thousands. Thus it is with the human heart. 
A little personal joy will offset the misery of 
millions of people. 

Off for America. And this boy, whose 



216 The American Heart 

strength of character was marked by the magnifi- 
cent form, stood six feet tall, clear-cut features, 
black hair, and with that admirable determined 
chin, was my constant companion on the huge 
steamer. 

He joined the American troops as a private. 
He was earnest and sincere and promotion fol- 
lowed quickly. "Down with the Kaiser" being 
the chief slogan and Billy was at the head of 
his command as a commissioned officer. Step 
by step my persistent admirer earned his place 
in military circles, and degree by degree he won 
promotion in my affections and esteem. 



THE KID HAS GONE TO THE COLORS. 



The kid has gone to the colors 
And we don't know what to say. 
The kid we loved and cuddled 
Stepped out for the flag today. 

We always thought him a child — & baby 
With never a care at all, 
But his country called him man-sized 
And the kid has heard the call. 

He paused to watch the recruiting, 
Where fired by fife and drum — 
He bowed his head to Old Glory 
And thought that it whispered "come." 

The kid, who was never a slacker, 
Stepped forth with patriot joy 
To add his name to the roster, 
Oh God, we're proud of the boy. 

The kid has gone to the colors, 
And it seems but a little while 
Since he drilled a school boy army 
In true marshal style. 

But now he's a man — a soldier, 
And we lend him a listening ear. 
For his heart is a heart all loyal, 
Unscourged by the curse of fear. 

217 



218 The American Heart 

His dad, when he told him, he shuddered. 
His mother, God bless her, cried, 
Yet blessed with a motherly nature, 
She wept with a mother's pride. 

But he, whose old shoulders strengthened, 
Was Granddad, for memory ran, 
To years, when he, too — a youngster, 
Was changed by the flag, to a man. 



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